Surgical instruments with lockout arrangements for preventing firing system actuation unless an unspent staple cartridge is present

ABSTRACT

A surgical end effector that includes a first jaw that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and a second jaw. The first and second jaws are supported for selective movement between an open position and a closed position relative to each other. A lock member is movable between an unlocked configuration that corresponds to an open position of the jaws and a locked configuration wherein the lock member prevents a firing member from being moved from a starting position within the end effector unless a surgical staple cartridge that has cam assembly located in an unfired position is supported within the first jaw.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various arrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and staple cartridges for use therewith that are designed to staple and cut tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the embodiments described herein, together with advantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly embodiment operably coupled to a handle assembly embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded assembly view of portions of the handle assembly and interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 with portions thereof omitted for clarity;

FIG. 4 is an exploded assembly view of a distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exploded assembly view of the proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a partial exploded assembly view of a portion of a spine assembly embodiment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional end view of the proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 5 with a clutch assembly thereof shown in an articulation mode;

FIG. 9 is another partial cross-sectional end view of the proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 5 with the clutch assembly thereof shown in a firing mode;

FIG. 10 is a partial side view of the proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 1 with a clutch assembly thereof shown in the articulation mode;

FIG. 11 is a partial side view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 1 with the clutch assembly thereof shown in the firing mode;

FIG. 12A is a partial side cross-sectional view of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 1 with a closure stroke reduction assembly embodiment in a retracted orientation corresponding to the articulation mode;

FIG. 12B is a partial side cross-sectional view of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 12A with the closure stroke reduction assembly embodiment in an extended orientation corresponding to the firing mode;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 12A showing the closure stroke reduction assembly embodiment in the retracted orientation corresponding to the articulation mode;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 12B showing the closure stroke reduction assembly embodiment in the extended orientation corresponding to the firing mode;

FIG. 15A is a side elevational view of a portion of a surgical end effector embodiment with the jaws thereof in a fully closed orientation;

FIG. 15B is another side elevational view of the surgical end effector embodiment of FIG. 15A with the jaws thereof in a fully open orientation;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a distal closure member embodiment with positive jaw opening features;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portion of a surgical end effector embodiment that is configured to be used in connection with the distal closure member of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of portions of the surgical end effector of FIG. 17 with jaws thereof in a fully closed position and the distal closure member of FIG. 16 shown in cross-section;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side view of the surgical end effector and distal closure member of FIG. 18 with the jaws thereof in the fully closed position;

FIG. 20 is another cross-sectional side view of the surgical end effector and distal closure member of FIG. 18 with the jaws thereof in the fully open position;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the surgical end effector and distal closure member of FIG. 18 with the jaws thereof in the fully open position;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a portion of another surgical end effector embodiment with the anvil omitted for clarity that employs a positive jaw opening spring;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view the positive jaw opening spring of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional side view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 22 with jaws thereof in a fully open position;

FIG. 25 is another cross-sectional side view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 22 with jaws thereof in a fully closed position;

FIG. 26 is a side view of a portion of another surgical end effector embodiment and a distal closure member embodiment with the jaws of the surgical end effector in a fully open position;

FIG. 27 is another side view of the surgical end effector and distal closure member of FIG. 26 at the beginning of a jaw closure sequence;

FIG. 28 is another side view of the surgical end effector and distal closure member of FIG. 26 during the jaw closure sequence;

FIG. 29 is another side view of the surgical end effector and distal closure member of FIG. 26 with the jaws thereof in a fully closed position;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a firing member embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of the firing member of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a front view of the firing member of FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the firing member of FIG. 30 in relation to a sled assembly embodiment and a firing member lock embodiment;

FIG. 33A is a top view of a staple driver embodiment;

FIG. 33B is a top perspective view of the staple driver embodiment of FIG. 33A;

FIG. 33C is a bottom perspective view of the staple driver embodiment of FIGS. 33A and 33B;

FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective view of the firing member lock of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a portion of a surgical end effector embodiment with jaws thereof in a fully open orientation and the firing member lock of FIG. 33 in an unlocked orientation;

FIG. 36 is another cross-sectional side elevational view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 35 with an unspent surgical staple cartridge supported in one of the jaws and retaining the firing member lock in the unlocked orientation;

FIG. 37 is another cross-sectional side elevational view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 36 after a firing sequence has been commenced;

FIG. 38 is another cross-sectional side elevational view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 36 as the firing member is being retracted back to a starting position;

FIG. 39 is a top cross-sectional view of the firing member and firing member lock in the position shown in FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is another cross-sectional side elevational view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 36 after the firing member has been retracted back to the starting position;

FIG. 41 a top cross-sectional view of the firing member and firing member lock in the position shown in FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a portion of another surgical end effector embodiment with jaws thereof in a fully open orientation and another firing member lock embodiment of FIG. 33 in a locked orientation;

FIG. 43 is a left side perspective view of portions of another surgical end effector embodiment and distal closure member embodiment with jaws of the surgical end effector in a fully open position and supporting a surgical staple cartridge therein with expandable tissue stops in a fully expanded orientation;

FIG. 44 is a right side perspective view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is an exploded perspective view of one of the jaws and the surgical staple cartridge of FIGS. 43 and 44;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a stop spring of one of the expandable tissue stops of FIG. 43;

FIG. 47 is a partial cross-sectional end view of the surgical end effector of FIGS. 42 and 43 with the jaws thereof in the fully open orientation and the expandable tissue stops thereof in their fully expanded orientations;

FIG. 48 is a top view of a portion of the surgical staple cartridge of FIGS. 42 and 43;

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional side view of the surgical end effector of FIGS. 43 and 44 with the jaws thereof in the fully closed position;

FIG. 50 is another cross-sectional side view of the surgical end effector of FIGS. 43 and 44 with the jaws thereof in the fully open position;

FIG. 51 is a partial cross-sectional end view of another surgical end effector embodiment with the jaws thereof in a fully open orientation;

FIG. 52 is a side elevational view of a portion of the surgical end effector of FIG. 51 with the jaws thereof in a fully open orientation; and

FIG. 53 is another side elevational view of a portion of the surgical end effector of FIG. 51 with the jaws thereof in a fully closed orientation.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,185, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,230, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,221, entitled LOCKOUT         ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,209, entitled SURGICAL         END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,198, entitled LOCKOUT         ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL         ASSEMBLIES; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,240, entitled SURGICAL         END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,939, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES         THEREIN;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,941, entitled SURGICAL         TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN         CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND         ARTICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,943, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,950, entitled SURGICAL         TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,945, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES         THEREIN;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,946, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,951, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW         OPENING DISTANCE;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,953, entitled METHODS OF         STAPLING TISSUE;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,954, entitled FIRING         MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL         END EFFECTORS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,955, entitled SURGICAL         END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,948, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,956, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,947, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES         THEREIN.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,896, entitled METHOD FOR         RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,898, entitled STAPLE         FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF         STAPLES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,899, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,901, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS         DEFINED THEREIN;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,902, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,904, entitled STAPLE         FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/OR SPENT         CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,905, entitled FIRING         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,907, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A         FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,908, entitled FIRING         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,909, entitled FIRING         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,920, entitled STAPLE         FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,913, entitled ANVIL         ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914, entitled METHOD OF         DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES         WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,893, entitled         BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,929, entitled CLOSURE         MEMBERS WITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS         WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING         SYSTEMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,927, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,917, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,900, entitled STAPLE         FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND         POCKET SIDEWALLS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,931, entitled         NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR         SURGICAL STAPLERS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,915, entitled FIRING         MEMBER PIN ANGLE;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,897, entitled STAPLE         FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE         GROOVES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,922, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,924, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,912, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS THAT ARE PIVOTABLE ABOUT A FIXED AXIS AND         INCLUDE SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,910, entitled ANVIL         HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,903, entitled CLOSURE         MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,906, entitled FIRING         MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,188, entitled STEPPED         STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,192, entitled STEPPED         STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,206, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,226, entitled DURABILITY         FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,222, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING         FEATURES; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,236, entitled CONNECTION         PORTIONS FOR DISPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING         INSTRUMENTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,887, entitled METHOD FOR         ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND,         ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,889, entitled SHAFT         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR         USE WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,890, entitled SHAFT         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE         SYSTEMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,891, entitled SHAFT         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A         ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,892, entitled SURGICAL         SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO AN ARTICULATION         STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,894, entitled SHAFT         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,895, entitled SHAFT         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,916, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,918, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,919, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,921, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO         DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,923, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,925, entitled JAW         ACTUATED LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OF A         FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNLESS AN UNFIRED         CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,926, entitled AXIALLY         MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS         TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,928, entitled PROTECTIVE         COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOVABLE JAW         AND ACTUATOR SHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,930, entitled SURGICAL         END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR         OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,932, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT         ARRANGEMENT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,933, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE         LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,934, entitled         ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN         ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF A JAW CLOSURE         SYSTEM;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,935, entitled LATERALLY         ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END         EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED         CONFIGURATION; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,936, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE         AMPLIFICATION FEATURES.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,775, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,807, entitled STAPLING         SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,834, entitled STAMPED         STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,788, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,818, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,218, entitled         SURGICAL FASTENER;     -   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,227, entitled         SURGICAL FASTENER;     -   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,259, entitled         SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE; and     -   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,264, entitled         SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Apr. 1, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,325, entitled METHOD FOR         OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,321, entitled MODULAR         SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,326, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE         DISPLAY FIELD;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,263, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,262, entitled ROTARY         POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT         SYSTEM;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,277, entitled SURGICAL         CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE         MEMBER;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,296, entitled         INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END         EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,258, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,278, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF         TISSUE;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,284, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,295, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,300, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,196, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,203, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,210, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,324, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,335, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,339, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,253, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES         HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,304, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,331, entitled ANVIL         MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,336, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGES WITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,312, entitled CIRCULAR         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,309, entitled CIRCULAR         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,349, entitled CIRCULAR         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. Patent Applications identified below which were filed on Dec. 31, 2015 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,488, entitled MECHANISMS         FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,525, entitled MECHANISMS         FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,552, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. Patent Applications identified below which were filed on Feb. 9, 2016 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END         EFFECTOR;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,228, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY         CONSTRAINT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,206, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE         RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,215, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,227, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK         ARRANGEMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,235, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN         ARTICULATION SYSTEMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM         ARRANGEMENTS; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. Patent Applications identified below which were filed on Feb. 12, 2016 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,254, entitled MECHANISMS         FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,259, entitled MECHANISMS         FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,275, entitled MECHANISMS         FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289, entitled MECHANISMS         FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Jun. 18, 2015 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,925, entitled SURGICAL         END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,941, entitled SURGICAL         END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,914, entitled MOVABLE         FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,900, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM         STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION         SUPPORT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,885, entitled DUAL         ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE         SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876, entitled PUSH/PULL         ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 6, 2015 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,746, entitled POWERED         SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2016/0256184;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,795, entitled MULTIPLE         LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2016/02561185;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832, entitled ADAPTIVE         TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR         MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication         No. 2016/0256154;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,935, entitled OVERLAID         MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE         TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2016/0256071;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,831, entitled MONITORING         SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED         SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication         No. 2016/0256153;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,859, entitled TIME         DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY,         CREEP, AND VISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0256187;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,817, entitled         INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,         now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256186;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,844, entitled CONTROL         TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH         SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0256155;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,837, entitled SMART         SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0256163;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,765, entitled SYSTEM FOR         DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A         SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2016/0256160;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,799, entitled SIGNAL AND         POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256162; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,780, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256161.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Feb. 27, 2015, and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249919;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,546, entitled SURGICAL         APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER         OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE         BAND, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249915;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,560, entitled SURGICAL         CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE         BATTERIES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2016/0249910;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,566, entitled CHARGING         SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A         BATTERY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2016/0249918;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,555, entitled SYSTEM FOR         MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED,         now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249916;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,542, entitled REINFORCED         BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2016/0249908;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,548, entitled POWER         ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2016/0249909;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,526, entitled ADAPTABLE         SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2016/0249945;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,541, entitled MODULAR         STAPLING ASSEMBLY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2016/0249927; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,562, entitled SURGICAL         APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249917.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Dec. 18, 2014 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND         MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174977;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,483, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0174969;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,139, entitled DRIVE         ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174978;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,148, entitled LOCKING         ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE         SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication         No. 2016/0174976;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,130, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A         DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174972;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,143, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0174983;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,117, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING         BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2016/0174975;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,154, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING         BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2016/0174973;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,493, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM,         now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174970; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,500, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM,         now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174971.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 1, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,295, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR         SIGNAL COMMUNICATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication         No. 2014/0246471;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323, entitled ROTARY         POWERED ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246472;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338, entitled THUMBWHEEL         SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2014/0249557;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,499, entitled         ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT,         now U.S. Pat. No. 9,358,003;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460, entitled MULTIPLE         PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246478;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358, entitled JOYSTICK         SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.         9,326,767;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481, entitled SENSOR         STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR, now         U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,438;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,518, entitled CONTROL         METHODS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT         PORTIONS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2014/0246475;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375, entitled ROTARY         POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM,         now U.S. Pat. No. 9,398,911; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,986.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 14, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,097, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263542;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,193, entitled CONTROL         ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now         U.S. Pat. No. 9,332,987;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053, entitled         INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2014/0263564;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION         LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,210, entitled SENSOR         ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2014/0263538;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,148, entitled         MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2014/0263554;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,066, entitled DRIVE         SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,         now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263565;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117, entitled         ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,726;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,130, entitled DRIVE         TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now         U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,727; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,159, entitled METHOD AND         SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2014/0277017.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent application that was filed on Mar. 7, 2014 and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,111, entitled CONTROL         SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2014/0263539.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 26, 2014 and are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,106, entitled POWER         MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272582;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,099, entitled         STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2015/0272581;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094, entitled         VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272580;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,117, entitled POWER         MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE         UP CONTROL, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2015/0272574;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,075, entitled MODULAR         POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES,         now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272579;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,093, entitled FEEDBACK         ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,         now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272569;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,116, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2015/0272571;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,071, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272578;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,097, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2015/0272570;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,126, entitled INTERFACE         SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2015/0272572;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,133, entitled MODULAR         SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2015/0272557;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,081, entitled SYSTEMS         AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2015/0277471;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,076, entitled POWER         MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE         PROTECTION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2015/0280424;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,111, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2015/0272583; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,125, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2015/0280384.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Sep. 5, 2014 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,103, entitled CIRCUITRY         AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0066912;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,119, entitled ADJUNCT         WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066914;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,908, entitled MONITORING         DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066910;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,895, entitled MULTIPLE         SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR'S OUTPUT OR         INTERPRETATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2016/0066909;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,110, entitled POLARITY         OF HALL MAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0066915;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,098, entitled SMART         CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0066911;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,115, entitled MULTIPLE         MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0066916; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,108, entitled LOCAL         DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0066913.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Apr. 9, 2014 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,590, entitled MOTOR         DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305987;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,581, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE         OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2014/0305989;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,595, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE         OPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2014/0305988;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,588, entitled POWERED         LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication         No. 2014/0309666;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,591, entitled         TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305991;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,584, entitled MODULAR         MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR         ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS,         now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305994;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,587, entitled POWERED         SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2014/0309665;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586, entitled DRIVE         SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305990; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,607, entitled MODULAR         MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION         ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2014/0305992.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Apr. 16, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,365,         entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED         BY A SINGLE MOTOR;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,376,         entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,382,         entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP;     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,385,         entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION         MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL; and     -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,372,         entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED         BY A SINGLE MOTOR.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Sep. 2, 2015 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/843,168, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH IMPROVED STAPLE DRIVER CONFIGURATIONS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/843,196, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLE DRIVER ARRAYS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/843,216, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLE CARTRIDGE STAPLE DRIVERS WITH CENTRAL SUPPORT FEATURES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/843,243, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLE CONFIGURATIONS WITH CAMMING SURFACES LOCATED BETWEEN         PORTIONS SUPPORTING SURGICAL STAPLES; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/843,267, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH DRIVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR ESTABLISHING         HERRINGBONE STAPLE PATTERNS.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Sep. 26, 2014 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/498,070, entitled CIRCULAR         FASTENER CARTRIDGES FOR APPLYING RADIALLY EXPANDABLE FASTENER         LINES; now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0089146;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/498,087, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLE AND DRIVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR STAPLE CARTRIDGES; now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0089147;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/498,105, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLE AND DRIVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR STAPLE CARTRIDGES; now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0089148;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/498,121, entitled FASTENER         CARTRIDGE FOR CREATING A FLEXIBLE STAPLE LINE; now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0089141     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/498,145, entitled METHOD FOR         CREATING A FLEXIBLE STAPLE LINE; now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2016/0089142; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/498,107, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING BUTTRESSES AND ADJUNCT MATERIALS; now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0089143.

Applicant of the present application also owns U.S. Pat. No. 8,590,762, which issued Nov. 26, 2013, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE CAVITY CONFIGURATIONS, which is herein incorporated by reference in its respective entirety.

Applicant of the present application also owns U.S. Pat. No. 8,727,197, which issued May 20, 2014, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE CAVITY CONFIGURATION WITH COOPERATIVE SURGICAL STAPLE, which is herein incorporated by reference in its respective entirety.

Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and illustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument. The term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the clinician and the term “distal” refers to the portion located away from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the reader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures and applications including, for example, in connection with open surgical procedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, the reader will further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into a body in any way, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. The working portions or end effector portions of the instruments can be inserted directly into a patient's body or can be inserted through an access device that has a working channel through which the end effector and elongate shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.

A surgical stapling system can comprise a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which a staple cartridge is not removable from, or at least readily replaceable from, the first jaw. The second jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about a closure axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling system further comprises an articulation joint configured to permit the end effector to be rotated, or articulated, relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis extending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments are envisioned which do not include an articulation joint.

The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck. Thereafter, staples removably stored in the cartridge body can be deployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein wherein staples are removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of a longitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staple cavities and staples may be possible.

The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between a first, or unfired position, and a second, or fired, position to eject the staples from the staple cavities. The drivers are retained in the cartridge body by a retainer which extends around the bottom of the cartridge body and includes resilient members configured to grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer to the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between their unfired positions and their fired positions by a sled. The sled is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The sled comprises a plurality of ramped surfaces configured to slide under the drivers and lift the drivers, and the staples supported thereon, toward the anvil.

Further to the above, the sled is moved distally by a firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and push the sled toward the distal end. The longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member further comprises a first cam which engages the first jaw and a second cam which engages the second jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, the first cam and the second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap, between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The firing member also comprises a knife configured to incise the tissue captured intermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable for the knife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the ramped surfaces such that the staples are ejected ahead of the knife.

FIG. 1 depicts one form of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 that is operably coupled to a motor driven handle assembly 500. The tool assembly 1000 may also be effectively employed with a tool drive assembly of a robotically controlled or automated surgical system. For example, the surgical tool assemblies disclosed herein may be employed with various robotic systems, instruments, components and methods such as, but not limited to, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The handle assembly 500, as well as the tool drive assembly of a robotic system may also be referred to herein as “control systems” or “control units”.

FIG. 2 illustrates attachment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 to the handle assembly 500. The handle assembly 500 may comprise a handle housing 502 that includes a pistol grip portion 504 that can be gripped and manipulated by the clinician. The handle assembly 500 may further include a frame 506 that operably supports the plurality of drive systems. For example, the frame 506 can operably support a “first” or closure drive system, generally designated as 510, which may be employed to apply closing and opening motions to the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 that is operably attached or coupled to the handle assembly 500. In at least one form, the closure drive system 510 may include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger 512 that is pivotally supported by the frame 506. Such arrangement enables the closure trigger 512 to be manipulated by a clinician such that when the clinician grips the pistol grip portion 504 of the handle assembly 500, the closure trigger 512 may be easily pivoted from a starting or “unactuated” position to an “actuated” position and more particularly, to a fully compressed or fully actuated position. In various forms, the closure drive system 510 further includes a closure linkage assembly 514 that is pivotally coupled to the closure trigger 512 or otherwise operably interfaces therewith. As will be discussed in further detail below, in the illustrated example, the closure linkage assembly 514 includes a transverse attachment pin 516 that facilitates attachment to a corresponding drive system on the surgical tool assembly. In use, to actuate the closure drive system 510, the clinician depresses the closure trigger 512 towards the pistol grip portion 504. As described in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,142, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, when the clinician fully depresses the closure trigger 512 to attain a “full” closure stroke, the closure drive system 510 is configured to lock the closure trigger 512 into the fully depressed or fully actuated position. When the clinician desires to unlock the closure trigger 512 to permit it to be biased to the unactuated position, the clinician simply activates a closure release button assembly 518 which enables the closure trigger 512 to return to the unactuated position. The closure release button assembly 518 may also be configured to interact with various sensors that communicate with a microcontroller 520 in the handle assembly 500 for tracking the position of the closure trigger 512. Further details concerning the configuration and operation of the closure release button assembly 518 may be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575.

In at least one form, the handle assembly 500 and the frame 506 may operably support another drive system referred to herein as a firing drive system 530 that is configured to apply firing motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly that is attached thereto. As was described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, the firing drive system 530 may employ an electric motor 505 that is located in the pistol grip portion 504 of the handle assembly 500. In various forms, the motor 505 may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotation of, approximately, 25,000 RPM, for example. In other arrangements, the motor 505 may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor 505 may be powered by a power source 522 that in one form may comprise a removable power pack. The power pack may support a plurality of Lithium Ion (“LI”) or other suitable batteries therein. A number of batteries may be connected in series and may be used as the power source 522 for the handle assembly 500. In addition, the power source 522 may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

The electric motor 505 is configured to axially drive a longitudinally movable drive member 540 in distal and proximal directions depending upon the polarity of the motor. For example, when the motor 505 is driven in one rotary direction, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 will be axially driven in the distal direction “DD”. When the motor 505 is driven in the opposite rotary direction, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 will be axially driven in a proximal direction “PD”. The handle assembly 500 can include a switch 513 which can be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor 505 by the power source 522 or otherwise control the motor 505. The handle assembly 500 can also include a sensor or sensors (not shown) that is configured to detect the position of the drive member 540 and/or the direction in which the drive member 540 is being moved. Actuation of the motor 505 can be controlled by a firing trigger 532 that is pivotally supported on the handle assembly 500. The firing trigger 532 may be pivoted between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The firing trigger 532 may be biased into the unactuated position by a spring (not shown) or other biasing arrangement such that when the clinician releases the firing trigger 532, it may be pivoted or otherwise returned to the unactuated position by the spring or biasing arrangement. In at least one form, the firing trigger 532 can be positioned “outboard” of the closure trigger 512 as was discussed above. As discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, the handle assembly 500 may be equipped with a firing trigger safety button (not shown) to prevent inadvertent actuation of the firing trigger 532. When the closure trigger 512 is in the unactuated position, the safety button is contained in the handle assembly 500 where the clinician cannot readily access it and move it between a safety position preventing actuation of the firing trigger 532 and a firing position wherein the firing trigger 532 may be fired. As the clinician depresses the closure trigger 512, the safety button and the firing trigger 532 may pivot down wherein they can then be manipulated by the clinician.

In at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 may have a rack of teeth (not shown) formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear arrangement (not shown) that interfaces with the motor 505. Further details regarding those features may be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575. At least one form also includes a manually-actuatable “bailout” assembly that is configured to enable the clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 540 should the motor 505 become disabled. The bailout assembly may include a lever or bailout handle assembly that is stored within the handle assembly 500 under a releasable door 550. The lever is configured to be manually pivoted into ratcheting engagement with the teeth in the drive member 540. Thus, the clinician can manually retract the drive member 540 by using the bailout handle assembly to ratchet the drive member 540 in the proximal direction “PD”. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0089970, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses bailout arrangements and other components, arrangements and systems that may also be employed with the tool assembly 1000.

Turning now to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a shaft mounting portion 1300 that is operably attached to an elongate shaft assembly 1400. A surgical end effector 1100 that comprises an elongate channel 1102 that is configured to operably support a staple cartridge 1110 therein is operably attached to the elongate shaft assembly 1400. See FIGS. 3 and 4. The end effector 1100 may further include an anvil 1130 that is pivotally supported relative to the elongate channel 1102. The elongate channel 1102 staple cartridge assembly 1110 and the anvil 1130 may also be referred to as “jaws”. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may further include an articulation joint 1200 and an articulation lock 1210 (FIGS. 3 and 4) which can be configured to releasably hold the end effector 1100 in a desired articulated position about an articulation axis B-B which is transverse to a shaft axis SA. Details regarding the construction and operation of the articulation lock 1210 may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Additional details concerning the articulation lock 1210 may also be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, filed Feb. 9, 2016, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

As can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the shaft mounting portion 1300 includes a proximal housing or nozzle 1301 comprised of nozzle portions 1302, 1304 as well as an actuator wheel portion 1306 that is configured to be coupled to the assembled nozzle portions 1302, 1304 by snaps, lugs, screws etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 further includes a closure assembly 1406 which can be utilized to close and/or open the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 of the end effector 1100 as will be discussed in further detail below. In addition, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a spine assembly 1500 which is operably supports the articulation lock 1210. The spine assembly 1500 is configured to, one, slidably support a firing member assembly 1600 therein and, two, slidably support the closure assembly 1406 which extends around the spine assembly 1500 or is otherwise movably supported thereby.

In the illustrated arrangement, the surgical end effector 1100 is operably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly 1400 by an articulation joint 1200 that facilitates selective articulation of the surgical end effector 1100 about an articulation axis B-B that is transverse to the shaft axis SA. See FIG. 3. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the spine assembly 1500 slidably supports a proximal articulation driver 1700 that operably interfaces with an articulation lock 1210. The articulation lock 1210 is supported on a distal frame segment 1560 that also comprises a portion of the spine assembly 1500. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the distal frame segment 1560 is pivotally coupled to the elongate channel 1102 by an end effector mounting assembly 1230. In one arrangement, for example, a distal end 1562 of the distal frame segment 1560 has an articulation pin 1564 formed thereon. The articulation pin 1564 is adapted to be pivotally received within an articulation pivot hole 1234 formed in a pivot base portion 1232 of the end effector mounting assembly 1230. The end effector mounting assembly 1230 is pivotally attached to a proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102 by a pair of laterally extending jaw attachment pins 1235 that are rotatably received within jaw pivot holes 1104 that are provided in the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102. The jaw attachment pins 1235 define a jaw pivot axis JA that is substantially traverse to the shaft axis SA. See FIG. 3. The articulation pivot pin 1564 defines an articulation axis B-B that is transverse to the shaft axis SA. Such arrangement facilitates pivotal travel (i.e., articulation) of the end effector 1100 about the articulation axis B-B relative to the spine assembly 1500.

Referring again to FIG. 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the articulation driver 1700 has a distal end 1702 that is configured to operably engage the articulation lock 1210. The articulation lock 1210 includes an articulation frame 1212 that is pivotally coupled to an articulation link 1214 that is adapted to operably engage an articulation drive pin 1236 on the pivot base portion 1232 of the end effector mounting assembly 1230. As indicated above, further details regarding the operation of the articulation lock 1210 and the articulation frame 1212 may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. Further details regarding the end effector mounting assembly and articulation link 1214 may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, filed Feb. 9, 2016, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

In various circumstances, the spine assembly 1500 further includes a proximal spine channel 1510 that may be fabricated out of pressed, bent or machined material. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the proximal spine channel 1510 is essentially C-shaped (when viewed from a distal end) and is configured to operably support the firing member assembly 1600 between side wall portions 1512 thereof. As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the spine assembly 1500 further comprises a proximal spine mounting segment 1530 that is rotatably pinned to a distal end 1514 of the proximal spine channel 1510 by a spine pin 1550. The proximal spine mounting segment 1530 comprises a proximal end portion 1532 that has opposing notches 1535 (only one can be seen in FIG. 7) for receiving a corresponding mounting lug 1308 (shown in FIG. 5) that protrude inwardly from each of the nozzle portions 1302, 1304. Such arrangement facilitates rotation of the proximal spine mounting segment 1530 about the shaft axis SA by rotating the nozzle 1301 about the shaft axis SA. In the illustrated arrangement, the proximal spine mounting segment 1530 further comprises a distally protruding lower shaft segment 1534 and a distally protruding upper shaft segment 1536 that is spaced from the lower shaft segment 1534. See FIG. 7. Each of the shaft segments 1534, 1536 has an arcuate cross-sectional shape. The lower shaft segment 1534 is received within the proximal end 1514 of the proximal spine channel 1510. The spine pin 1550 extends through a pivot hole 1516 in the proximal end of the proximal spine channel 1510 and a pivot hole 1538 in the lower shaft segment 1534. The spine pin 1550 includes a vertical groove 1552 that forms two upstanding sidewall portions 1554. The upper ends of the side wall portions 1554 are received within corresponding pockets 1539 that are formed in the proximal spine mounting segment 1530.

The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a chassis 1800 that rotatably supported the shaft assembly 1400. The proximal end portion 1532 of the proximal spine mounting segment is rotatably supported in a central shaft hole 1801 that is formed in the chassis 1800. See FIG. 6. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end portion 1532 may be threaded for attachment to a spine bearing (not shown) or other wise supported in a spine bearing that is mounted within the chassis 1800. Such an arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of the spine assembly 1500 to the chassis 1800 such that the spine assembly 1500 may be selectively rotated about a shaft axis SA relative to the chassis 1800.

The closure assembly 1406 comprises an elongate intermediate closure member 1410, a distal closure member 1430 and a proximal closure member 1480. In the illustrated arrangement, the proximal closure member 1480 comprises a hollow tubular member that is slidably supported on a portion of the spine assembly 1500. Hence, the proximal closure member 1480 may also be referred to herein as the proximal closure tube. Similarly, the intermediate closure member 1410 may also be referred to herein as the intermediate closure tube and the distal closure member 1430 may also be referred to as the distal closure tube. Referring primarily to FIG. 6, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a closure shuttle 1420 that is slidably supported within the chassis 1800 such that it may be axially moved relative thereto. In one form, the closure shuttle 1420 includes a pair of proximally-protruding hooks 1421 that are configured for attachment to the attachment pin 516 (FIG. 2) that is attached to the closure linkage assembly 514 of the handle assembly 500. Thus, when the hooks 1421 are hooked over the pin 516, actuation of the closure trigger 512 will result in the axial movement of the closure shuttle 1420 and ultimately, the closure assembly 1406 on the spine assembly 1500. A closure spring (not shown) may also be journaled on the closure assembly 1406 and serves to bias the closure member assembly 1406 in the proximal direction “PD” which can serve to pivot the closure trigger 512 into the unactuated position when the tool assembly 1000 is operably coupled to the handle assembly 500. In use, the closure member assembly 1406 is translated distally (direction DD) to close the anvil 1130, for example, in response to the actuation of the closure trigger 512.

The closure linkage 514 may also be referred to herein as a “closure actuator” and the closure linkage 514 and the closure shuttle 1420 may be collectively referred to herein as a “closure actuator assembly”. A proximal end 1482 of the proximal closure member 1480 is coupled to the closure shuttle 1420 for relative rotation thereto. For example, a U-shaped connector 1485 is inserted into an annular slot 1484 in the proximal end 1482 of the proximal closure member 1480 and is retained within vertical slots 1422 in the closure shuttle 1420. See FIG. 6. Such arrangement serves to attach the proximal closure member 1480 to the closure shuttle 1420 for axial travel therewith while enabling the closure assembly 1406 to rotate relative to the closure shuttle 1420 about the shaft axis SA.

As indicated above, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes an articulation joint 1200. As can be seen in FIG. 4, upper and lower tangs 1415, 1416 protrude distally from a distal end of the intermediate closure member 1410 to be movably coupled to the distal closure member 1430. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the distal closure member 1430 includes upper and lower tangs 1434, 1436 that protrude proximally from a proximal end thereof. The intermediate closure member 1410 and the distal closure member 1430 are coupled together by an upper double pivot link 1220. The upper double pivot link 1220 includes proximal and distal pins that engage corresponding holes in the upper tangs 1415, 1434 of the proximal closure member 1410 and distal closure member 1430, respectively. The intermediate closure member 1410 and the distal closure member 1430 are also coupled together by a lower double pivot link 1222. The lower double pivot link 1222 includes proximal and distal pins that engage corresponding holes in the lower tangs 1416 and 1436 of the intermediate closure member 1410 and distal closure member 1430, respectively. As will be discussed in further detail below, distal and proximal axial translation of the closure assembly 1406 will result in the closing and opening of the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102.

As mentioned above, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 further includes a firing member assembly 1600 that is supported for axial travel within the spine assembly 1500. In the illustrated embodiment, the firing member assembly 1600 includes a proximal firing shaft segment 1602, an intermediate firing shaft segment 1610 and a distal cutting portion or distal firing bar 1620. The firing member assembly 1600 may also be referred to herein as a “second shaft” and/or a “second shaft assembly”. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 may be formed with a distal mounting lug 1604 that is configured to be received with a corresponding cradle or groove 1613 in the proximal end 1612 of the intermediate firing shaft segment 1610. A proximal attachment lug 1606 is protrudes proximally from a proximal end of the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 and is configured to be operably received within the firing shaft attachment cradle 542 in the longitudinally movable drive member 540 that is supported in the handle assembly 500. See FIG. 2.

Referring again to FIG. 6, a distal end 1616 of the intermediate firing shaft segment 1610 includes a longitudinal slot 1618 which is configured to receive a tab (not shown) on the proximal end of the distal firing bar 1620. The longitudinal slot 1618 and the proximal end of the distal firing bar 1620 can be sized and configured to permit relative movement therebetween and can comprise a slip joint 1622. The slip joint 1622 can permit the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 and the intermediate firing shaft segment 1610 of the firing member assembly 1600 to move as a unit during the articulation action without moving, or at least substantially moving, the distal firing bar 1620. Once the end effector 1100 has been suitably oriented, the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 and the intermediate firing shaft segment 1610 can be advanced distally until a proximal end wall of the longitudinal slot 1618 comes into contact with the tab on the distal firing bar 1620 to advance the distal firing bar 1620 and fire the staple cartridge 1110 that is positioned within the elongate channel 1102. As can be further seen in FIG. 6, to facilitate assembly, the proximal firing shaft segment 1602, the intermediate firing shaft segment 1610 and the distal firing bar 1620 may be inserted as a unit into the proximal spine channel 1510 and a top spine cover 1527 may be engaged with the proximal spine channel 1510 to enclose those portions of the firing member assembly 1600 therein.

Further to the above, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a clutch assembly 1640 which can be configured to selectively and releasably couple the articulation driver 1700 to the firing member assembly 1600. In one form, the clutch assembly 1640 includes a rotary lock assembly that in at least one embodiment comprises a lock collar, or lock sleeve 1650 that is positioned around the firing member assembly 1600. The lock sleeve 1650 is configured to be rotated between an engaged position in which the lock sleeve 1650 couples the articulation driver 1700 to the firing member assembly 1600 and a disengaged position in which the articulation driver 1700 is not operably coupled to the firing member assembly 1600. When lock sleeve 1650 is in its engaged position, distal movement of the firing member assembly 1600 can move the articulation driver 1700 distally and, correspondingly, proximal movement of the firing member assembly 1600 can move the articulation driver 1700 proximally. When lock sleeve 1650 is in its disengaged position, movement of the firing member assembly 1600 is not transmitted to the articulation driver 1700 and, as a result, the firing member assembly 1600 can move independently of the articulation driver 1700. In various circumstances, the articulation driver 1700 can be held in position by the articulation lock 1210 when the articulation driver 1700 is not being moved in the proximal or distal directions by the firing member assembly 1600.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 8 and 9, the lock sleeve 1650 comprises a cylindrical, or an at least substantially cylindrical, body including a longitudinal aperture 1652 defined therein configured to receive the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600. The lock sleeve 1650 also has two diametrically-opposed, inwardly-facing lock protrusions 1654 formed thereon. Only one lock protrusion 1654 can be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9. The lock protrusions 1654 can be configured to be selectively engaged with the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600. More particularly, when the lock sleeve 1650 is in its engaged position (FIG. 8), the lock protrusions 1654 are positioned within a drive notch 1603 that is provided in the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 such that a distal pushing force and/or a proximal pulling force can be transmitted from the firing member assembly 1600 to the lock sleeve 1650. As can be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, an articulation drive notch 1655 is provided in a distal end portion of the lock sleeve 1650 for attachment to a proximal end 1704 of the proximal articulation driver 1700. In the illustrated arrangement, for example, the proximal end 1704 includes a driver notch 1706 that is configured to engage the drive notch 1655 in the lock sleeve 1650. Such attachment arrangement enables the lock sleeve 1650 to be rotated relative to the proximal articulation driver 1700 while remaining attached thereto. When the lock sleeve 1650 is in an “articulation mode” or orientation (FIG. 8), a distal pushing force and/or a proximal pulling force that is applied to the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 is also transmitted to the lock sleeve 1650 and the proximal articulation driver 1700 that is coupled thereto. In effect, the firing member assembly 1600, the lock sleeve 1650, and the proximal articulation driver 1700 will move together when the lock sleeve 1650 is in the articulation mode. On the other hand, when the lock sleeve 1650 is in its “firing mode” (FIG. 9), the lock protrusions 1654 are not positioned within the drive notch 1603 in the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600. When in that position, a distal pushing force and/or a proximal pulling force applied to the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 is not transmitted to the lock sleeve 1650 and the proximal articulation driver 1700. In such circumstances, the firing member assembly 1600 can move proximally and/or distally relative to the lock sleeve 1650 and the proximal articulation driver 1700.

The illustrated clutch assembly 1640 further includes a switch drum 1660 that interfaces with the lock sleeve 1650. The switch drum 1660 comprises a hollow shaft segment that operably interfaces with a shift plate assembly 1680 that is supported therein. The shift plate assembly 1680 comprises a body portion 1681 that has a shift pin 1682 that protrudes laterally therefrom. The shift pin 1682 extends into a shift pin slot 1662 that is provided through a wall portion of the shift drum 1660. The body portion 1681 of the shift plate assembly 1680 has a slide slot 1683 formed therein that is sized and configured to interface with a slide boss 1656 that protrudes from a proximal end of the slide lock 1650. The switch drum 1660 can further include openings 1664 which permit the inwardly extending mounting lugs 1308 that extend from the nozzle halves 1302, 1304 to extend therethrough to be seating received within the corresponding notches 1535 in the proximal spine mounting segment 1530. See FIG. 5. Such arrangement facilitates rotation of the shaft assembly 1400 about the shaft axis SA by rotating the nozzle 1301.

Also in the illustrated embodiment, the switch drum 1660 includes a magnet support arm 1665 that supports an articulation magnet 1708 and a firing magnet 1611 therein. The articulation magnet 1708 and firing magnet 1611 are configured to operably interface with a Hall effect sensor 1632 that interfaces with a slip ring assembly 1630 that is operably mounted to the chassis 1800. The slip ring assembly 1630 is configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the interchangeable surgical shaft assembly 1000 and/or communicate signals to and/or from the interchangeable shaft assembly 1000 components back to the microcontroller 520 in the handle assembly 500 (FIG. 2) or robotic system controller, for example. Further details concerning the slip ring assembly 1630 and associated connectors may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,045,203 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196 which have each been herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety as well as in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The articulation magnet 1708 and the firing magnet 1611 cooperate with the Hall effect sensor 1632 or other sensor arrangement to detect the rotary position of the switch drum 1660 and convey that information to the microcontroller 520 which may serve to provide an indication or indications to the user in the various manners discussed in the aforementioned incorporated references. Other sensor arrangements may also be employed.

In various circumstances, the handle assembly 500 may be used to control a variety of different interchangeable surgical tool assemblies that are configured to perform various surgical procedures. As briefly mentioned above, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may also be effectively used in connection with robotic systems and automated surgical systems that each may be referred to herein as “control systems” or “control units”. Such control systems or control units may operably support firing systems and closure systems that are configured upon actuation to move a firing actuation component or “firing actuator” (in the case of the firing system) and a closure actuation component or “closure actuator” (in the case of the closure system) a corresponding axial distance to apply control motions to corresponding components within the interchangeable tool assembly. In one arrangement, when a closure system in the handle assembly (or robotic system) is fully actuated, a closure actuator may move axially from an unactuated position to its fully actuated position. The axial distance that the closure component moves between its unactuated position to its fully actuated position may be referred to herein as its “closure stroke length” or a “first closure distance”. Similarly, when a firing system in the handle assembly or robotic system is fully actuated, one of the firing system components may move axially from its unactuated position to its fully actuated or fired position. The axial distance that the firing member component moves between its unactuated position and its fully fired position may be referred to herein as its “firing stroke length” or “first firing distance”. For those surgical tool assemblies that employ articulatable end effector arrangements, the handle assembly or robotic system may employ articulation control components that move axially through an “articulation drive stroke length” or a “first articulation distance”. In many circumstances, the closure stroke length, the firing stroke length and the articulation drive stroke length are fixed for a particular handle assembly or robotic system. Thus, each of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies that are configured to be used in connection with such control units or systems must be able to accommodate control movements of the closure, firing and/or articulation components/actuators through each of their entire stroke lengths without placing undue stress on the surgical tool components which might lead to damage or catastrophic failure of surgical tool assembly. Examples of surgical tool assemblies that have arrangements for reducing the axial closure stroke of an actuator system are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019, 245, filed Feb. 9, 2016, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174977, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER discloses arrangements for adjusting the firing stroke of a firing member.

Depending upon the jaw arrangement of the end effector portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly that is operably coupled to the handle assembly 500, the closure drive system 510 in the handle assembly 500, when fully actuated, may generate a closure stroke or first axial closure distance that is too long for such a jaw arrangement. The illustrated embodiment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 employs a closure stroke reduction assembly generally designated as 1720 to reduce the amount of closure stroke that is applied to the end effector when the closure drive system 510 is fully actuated. For example, the closure drive system 510 in one form of the handle assembly 500 may generate axial closure motions so as to move the closure actuator (e.g., the closure linkage 514—FIG. 2) or closure actuator assembly (e.g., the closure linkage 514, and the closure shuttle 1420) axially forward and backward about 0.240″-0.260″. Such axial control travel may be well-suited for surgical end effectors that are equipped with an anvil or jaw arrangement that moves distally relative to the channel or jaw arrangements to which they are attached. Because the jaws are pivotally coupled together about a fixed jaw axis JA, they may be better suited for a shorter closure stroke. Stated another way, the anvil 1130 does not move distally relative to the elongate channel 1102. For example, such arrangement may be better suited for a closure stroke range of approximately 0.1″-0.150″. As will be discussed in further detail below, upon full actuation of the closure drive system 510 in the handle assembly 500, the closure shuttle 1420 and the proximal closure member 1480 may move approximately the 0.260″ in the distal direction DD (“first closure stroke distance”). However, the closure stroke reduction assembly 1720 reduces the amount of closure stroke that is applied to the intermediate closure member 1410 and ultimately to the distal closure member 1430 (“second closure stroke distance”). In some arrangements, for example, the closure stroke reduction assembly 1720 may reduce the magnitude of the closure stroke that is applied to the intermediate closure member 1410 and distal closure member 1430 to approximately 0.1″, for example. It will be appreciated that other amounts of closure stroke reduction could conceivably be achieved.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A and 12B, in one form, the closure stroke reduction assembly 1720 includes a closure reduction linkage 1730 that is attached to a closure member mounting member or mounting ring 1740. As can be seen in FIGS. 6, 12A and 12B, the intermediate closure member 1410 has a proximal attachment flange 1414 that is formed on a proximal end portion 1412. The mounting ring 1740 is sized to slidably move within the proximal closure member 1480 and includes a mounting groove 1742 for receiving the attachment flange 1414 therein. Such arrangement serves to attach the mounting ring 1740 to the intermediate closure member 1410. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure reduction linkage 1730 comprises a proximal link 1732 and a distal link 1734 that are pivotally attached together by an actuator pin 1736. The proximal link 1732 is pivotally pinned to an upstanding attachment wall 1518 that is formed on the proximal spine channel 1510. The distal link 1734 is pivotally pinned to the mounting ring 1740. The closure reduction linkage 1730 is actuated by axially moving the proximal closure member 1480. In at least one arrangement, for example, the actuator pin 1736 is slidably journaled in a cam slot 1486 that is provided in the proximal closure member 1480. The actuator pin 1736 also extends inwardly to be slidably received within a slide track 1658 that is formed on a proximal end portion of the lock sleeve 1650. Thus, when the proximal closure member 1480 is moved to its distal-most position, the actuator pin 1736 is in the proximal end of the cam slot 1486 such that the closure reduction linkage 1730 is in its fully extended position as shown in FIGS. 12B and 14. When the proximal closure member 1480 is in its proximal-most position, the closure reduction linkage 1730 is in its retracted position (FIGS. 12A and 13).

As was briefly discussed above, the shift plate assembly 1680 comprises a body portion 1681 that has a shift pin 1682 that laterally protrudes therefrom. The shift pin 1682 extends into a shift pin slot 1662 that is provided through a wall portion of the switch drum 1660. The shift pin 1682 also extends through a cam opening 1490 that is provided in the proximal closure member 1480. See FIGS. 10 and 11. The cam opening 1490 in the illustrated arrangement includes a travel portion 1492 that is sufficiently long enough so as to permit a predetermined amount of axial travel of the proximal closure member assembly 1480 relative to the shift pin 1682 and a firing portion 1494. In at least one arrangement, the shift plate 1680 is constrained to only rotate a short distance around the shaft axis SA and is constrained not to move axially within the switch drum 1660. This rotary travel of the shift plate 1680 and the shift pin 1682 may be observed from reference to FIGS. 8-11.

FIGS. 8, 10 and 12A illustrate the clutch assembly 1640 in the articulation mode and FIGS. 9, 11 and 12B, illustrate the clutch assembly 1640 in the firing mode. The clutch assembly 1640 is moved from the articulation mode to the firing mode by moving the proximal closure member 1480 to it distal-most position which corresponds to a “fully closed” position of the end effector jaws (elongate channel 1102 and anvil 1130). The proximal closure member 1480 is moved distally by depressing the closure trigger 512 on the handle assembly 500. As discussed above, when the closure trigger 512 is depressed, the closure shuttle 1420 is advanced distally. Because the proximal closure member 1480 is supported in the closure shuttle 1420, the proximal closure member 1480 moves distally as well. When the clutch assembly 1640 is in the articulation mode, the shift pin 1682 is located about midway (lengthwise) within the travel portion 1492 of the cam opening 1490 in the proximal closure member 1480. Thus, the proximal closure member 1480 can be moved back and forth axially (by means of depressing and at least partially releasing the closure trigger 512) a short distance to effectively move the jaws (anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102) between open and closed positions without moving the clutch assembly 1640 into the firing mode. Thus, the clinician can use the jaws to grasp and manipulate tissue without moving the jaws to a fully closed position and without shifting the clutch assembly 1640 to the firing mode. However, when the clinician desires to fully close the jaws, the clinician fully depresses the closure trigger 512 to the fully actuated position. This action causes the proximal closure member 1480 to move to its distal-most axial position. See FIGS. 9, 11 and 12B. When the proximal closure member 1480 moves to this position, the proximal cam wall 1491 of the cam opening 1490 contacts the shift pin 1682 and cams the shift pin 1682 (and the shift plate 1680) to the firing orientation shown in FIGS. 9 and 11. In the illustrated embodiment, a torsional shift spring 1667 is journaled on the switch drum 1660 and is configured to rotate bias the switch drum 1660 into the position corresponding to the articulation mode. See FIG. 10. The shift pin 1682 is in the bottom of the shift pin slot 1662 in the switch drum 1660 and is thereby moved to the articulation position shown in FIG. 10. To apply the torsional biasing force to the switch drum 1660, one end 1668 of the torsion spring 1667 is attached to the switch drum 1660 and the other end 1669 is attached to nozzle 1301. Further details concerning the operation of the clutch assembly 1640 and the closure stroke reduction assembly 1720 are provided below.

FIG. 12A illustrates the positions of the closure stroke reduction assembly 1730 and the intermediate closure member 1410 when the proximal closure member 1480 is in an unactuated position. This “unactuated” position may correspond to the orientations of the jaws of the surgical end effector when the jaws are in their respective “fully opened” positions. For reference purposes, the unactuated position of the proximal closure member 1480 is represented by a starting witness line SWL_(p) and the unactuated position of the intermediate closure member 1410 is represented by starting witness line SWL_(i). FIG. 12B illustrates the positions of the of the closure stroke reduction assembly 1730 and the intermediate closure member 1410 when the proximal closure member 1480 is in a fully actuated position which may correspond to the orientations of the jaws of the surgical end effector when the jaws are in their respective “fully closed” positions. As was briefly discussed above, when the proximal closure member 1480 is in the fully actuated position, actuation of the firing trigger 532 will cause the firing member assembly 1600 to be advanced distally. For reference purposes, the fully actuated position of the proximal closure segment 1480 is represented by an ending witness line EWL_(p). The fully actuated position of the intermediate closure member 1410 is represented by a ending witness line EWL_(i). The axial distance that the proximal closure member 1480 traveled between the unactuated position and the fully actuated position is represented by distance D₁. In one example, D₁ may be approximately 0.260″. The axial distance that the intermediate closure member 1410 (and ultimately the distal closure member 1430) traveled between the unactuated position and the fully actuated position is represented by distance D₂. As can be seen in FIGS. 12A and 12B, D₁>D₂. In the above-referenced example, D₂ may be approximately 0.1″. Thus, the intermediate closure member 1410 and the distal closure member 1430 traveled a shorter axial distance than did the proximal closure member 1480. Such arrangement permits the jaw arrangements of the surgical end effector 1100 to better utilize the closure motions generated by the closure drive system 510 in the handle assembly 500 and avoid potential damage that might otherwise result if the full range of closure motions were applied to the end effector.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 6, the chassis 1800 includes at least one, and preferably two, tapered attachment portions 1802 that are formed thereon and are adapted to be received within corresponding dovetail slots 507 that are formed within the distal end portion of the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. As can be further seen in FIG. 2, a shaft attachment lug 1606 is formed on the proximal end of the proximal firing shaft segment 1602. As will be discussed in further detail below, when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 is coupled to the handle assembly 500, the shaft attachment lug 1606 is received in a firing shaft attachment cradle 542 that is formed in the distal end of the longitudinal drive member 540. See FIG. 2.

The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 employs a latch system 1810 for removably coupling the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 to the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. As can be seen in FIG. 5, for example, in at least one form, the latch system 1810 includes a lock member or lock yoke 1812 that is movably coupled to the chassis 1800. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the lock yoke 1812 has a U-shape and includes two downwardly extending legs 1814. The legs 1814 each have a pivot lug (not shown) formed thereon that is adapted to be received in corresponding holes 1816 that are formed in the chassis 1800. Such arrangement facilitates pivotal attachment of the lock yoke 1812 to the chassis 1800. See FIG. 6. The lock yoke 1812 may include two proximally protruding lock lugs 1818 that are configured for releasable engagement with corresponding lock detents or grooves 509 in the distal end of the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. See FIG. 2. In various forms, the lock yoke 1812 is biased in the proximal direction by a spring or biasing member 1819. Actuation of the lock yoke 1812 may be accomplished by a latch button 1820 that is slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly 1822 that is mounted to the chassis 1800. The latch button 1820 may be biased in a proximal direction relative to the lock yoke 1812. The lock yoke 1812 may be moved to an unlocked position by biasing the latch button 1820 the in distal direction which also causes the lock yoke 1812 to pivot out of retaining engagement with the distal end of the frame 506. When the lock yoke 1812 is in “retaining engagement” with the distal end of the frame 506, the lock lugs 1818 are retainingly seated within the corresponding lock detents or grooves 509 in the distal end of the frame 506.

In the illustrated arrangement, the lock yoke 1812 includes at least one and preferably two lock hooks 1824 that are adapted to contact corresponding lock lug portions 1426 that are formed on the closure shuttle 1420. When the closure shuttle 1420 is in an unactuated position, the lock yoke 1812 may be pivoted in a distal direction to unlock the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 from the handle assembly 500. When in that position, the lock hooks 1824 do not contact the lock lug portions 1426 on the closure shuttle 1420. However, when the closure shuttle 1420 is moved to an actuated position, the lock yoke 1812 is prevented from being pivoted to an unlocked position. Stated another way, if the clinician were to attempt to pivot the lock yoke 1812 to an unlocked position or, for example, the lock yoke 1812 was in advertently bumped or contacted in a manner that might otherwise cause it to pivot distally, the lock hooks 1824 on the lock yoke 1812 will contact the lock lugs 1426 on the closure shuttle 1420 and prevent movement of the lock yoke 1812 to an unlocked position. See FIG. 5. Further details concerning the latching system may be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541.

Attachment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 to the handle assembly 500 will now be described with reference to FIG. 2. To commence the coupling process, the clinician may position the chassis 1800 of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 above or adjacent to the distal end of the frame 506 such that the tapered attachment portions 1802 formed on the chassis 1800 are aligned with the dovetail slots 507 in the frame 506. The clinician may then move the surgical tool assembly 1000 along an installation axis IA that is perpendicular to the shaft axis SA to seat the tapered attachment portions 1802 in “operable engagement” with the corresponding dovetail receiving slots 507 in the distal end of the frame 506. In doing so, the shaft attachment lug 1606 on the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 will also be seated in the cradle 542 in the longitudinally movable drive member 540 and the portions of pin 516 on the closure link 514 will be seated in the corresponding hooks 1421 in the closure shuttle 1420. As used herein, the term “operable engagement” in the context of two components means that the two components are sufficiently engaged with each other so that upon application of an actuation motion thereto, the components may carry out their intended action, function and/or procedure.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the distal firing bar 1620 may comprise a laminated beam structure that includes at least two beam layers. Such beam layers may comprise, for example, stainless steel bands that are interconnected by, for example, welding or pinning together at their proximal ends and/or at other locations along their length. In alternative embodiments, the distal ends of the bands are not connected together to allow the laminates or bands to splay relative to each other when the end effector is articulated. Such arrangement permits the distal firing bar 1620 to be sufficiently flexible to accommodate articulation of the end effector. Various laminated knife bar arrangements are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245. As can also be seen in FIG. 4, a middle support member 1614 is employed to provide lateral support to the distal firing bar 1620 as it flexes to accommodate articulation of the surgical end effector 1100. Further details concerning the middle support member and alternative knife bar support arrangements are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245.

After the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 has been operably coupled to the handle assembly 500 (FIG. 1), the clinician may operate the surgical tool assembly 10 as follows. As discussed above, when the closure drive system 510 is in its unactuated position (i.e., the closure trigger 512 has not been actuated), the torsion spring 1667 has biased the clutch assembly 1640 and, more particularly, the switch pin 1682 and the lock sleeve 1650 into the articulation position. See FIGS. 8, 10 and 12A. As can be seen in FIG. 8, when in that position, the lock protrusions 1654 in the lock sleeve 1650 are received within the drive notch 1603 in the proximal firing shaft segment 1602. As can be seen in FIG. 10, when in that mode, the articulation magnet 1708 is in position relative to the Hall effect sensor 1632 so as to indicate to the microcontroller 520 that the tool assembly 1000 is in the articulation mode. When the clinician actuates the firing trigger 512, the motor drives the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 distally. As mentioned above, however, the slip joint 1622 facilitates movement of the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 and the intermediate firing shaft segment 1610 without moving, or at least substantially moving, the distal firing bar 1620. Because the lock sleeve 1650 is in operable engagement with the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 and the proximal articulation driver 1700 is in engagement with the lock sleeve 1650, actuation of the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 results in the distal movement of the articulation driver 1700. Distal movement of the articulation driver 1700 causes the surgical end effector 1000 to articulate around the articulation axis B-B. During this time, the clinician can also partially close the jaws of the end effector 1100 by partially depressing the closure trigger. Such axial movement of the proximal closure member 1480 without automatically shifting the clutch assembly 1640 to the firing mode is accommodated by the travel portion 1492 of the cam opening 1490 in the proximal closure member 1480. See FIG. 10. This feature enables the clinician to use the jaws to grasp and manipulate tissue prior to clamping onto the target tissue.

Once the clinician has articulated the end effector 1100 into a desired position and the jaws have been positioned in a desired orientation relative to the target tissue, the clinician releases the firing trigger 532 which will discontinue the motorized movement of the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 as well as the proximal articulation driver 1700. The articulation lock 1210 will lock the proximal articulation driver 1700 in that position to prevent further articulation of the end effector 1100. The clinician may clamp the target tissue between the jaws by depressing the closure trigger 512 to the fully depressed position. Such action moves the proximal closure member 1480 distally. Such distal movement of the proximal closure member 1480 causes the switch pin 1682 to rotate downward within the cam opening 1490 as it is contacted by the cam wall 1491. See FIG. 11. Referring now to FIG. 11, movement of the shift pin 1682 downwardly within cam opening 1490 causes the shift plate 1680 to rotate the lock sleeve 1650 to rotate to a disengaged position with the proximal firing shaft segment 1602. When in that position, the lock protrusions 1654 have disengaged from the drive notch 1603 in the proximal firing shaft segment 1602. Thus, the proximal firing shaft segment 1602 can move axially without moving the lock sleeve 1650 and the proximal articulation driver 1700. As the proximal closure member 1480 is moved distally to the fully actuated position (by depressing the closure trigger 512), the closure stroke reduction assembly 1730 moves the intermediate closure member 1410 distally a reduced axial distance as was discussed above. This axial motion is applied to the distal closure member 1430 and ultimately moves the jaws to the fully closed position. When in this position, the closure drive system 510 system in the handle assembly 500 may be locked and the clinician can release the closure trigger 512. When the clutch assembly 1640 has been moved to this firing mode, the firing magnet 1611 is in communication with the Hall effect sensor 1632 to indicate the position of the clutch assembly 1640 to the microcontroller 520. See FIG. 11. The microcontroller 520 may provide the clinician with an indication of the position of the distal firing bar 1620 as it is advanced distally through the target tissue that is clamped between the end effector jaws. Once the distal firing bar 1620 and, more specifically, the firing member or knife member attached thereto has been advanced to a fully fired position, the microcontroller 520, by means of sensor arrangements, detects the position of a portion of the firing member assembly 1600 and may then reverse the motor to retract the distal firing bar 1620 to its starting position. This action may be automatic or the clinician may have to depress the firing trigger 532 during the retraction process. Once the distal firing bar 1620 has been fully retracted to its starting position, the microcontroller 520 may provide the clinician with an indication that the distal firing bar 1620 has been fully retracted and the closure trigger 512 may be unlocked to enable the closure assembly 1406 to be returned to the unactuated position which thereby moves the jaws to the open position.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the anvil assembly 1130 includes an anvil body portion 1132 and an anvil mounting portion 1134. The anvil mounting portion 1134 comprises a pair of anvil mounting walls 1136 that are separated by a slot 1138 (FIG. 4). The anvil mounting walls 1136 are interconnected or bridged by an upstanding tab portion 1139. As discussed above, the end effector mounting assembly 1230 is pivotally attached to the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102 by a pair of laterally extending jaw attachment pins 1235 that are rotatably received within jaw pivot holes 1104 that are provided in the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102. The jaw attachment pins 1235 define a fixed jaw pivot axis JA that is substantially traverse to the shaft axis SA. See FIG. 4. Each of the anvil mounting walls 1136 has a mounting hole 1140 extending therethrough to enable the anvil mounting portion 1134 to be pivotally journaled on the jaw attachment pins 1235. Thus, in such arrangement, the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 are independently pivotable about the fixed jaw pivot axis JA. Such arrangement may permit the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 (the “jaws”) to be opened to positions that may be wider than those open positions that may be attained by the jaws of other end effector arrangements wherein only one of the jaws moves relative to the other jaw.

Still referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, the distal closure member 1430 includes two inwardly extending jaw opening pins 1432 that are adapted to extend through corresponding channel opening cam slots 1106 provided in the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102. Each jaw opening pin 1432 is configured to engage a corresponding anvil opening cam surface 1142 that is formed on each anvil mounting wall 1136. As can be seen in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the anvil opening cam surfaces 1142 are opposed or arranged in an opposite configuration as the corresponding channel opening cam slots 1106. Stated another way, the channel opening cam slots 1106 and the anvil opening cam surfaces 1142 curve in opposite directions from each other.

FIG. 15A illustrates the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 (the “jaws”) in the fully closed position. As the distal closure member 1430 is advanced distally, the distal end 1431 of the distal closure member 1430 travels up closure cam surfaces 1137 formed on each of the anvil mounting walls 1136 as well as up closure cam surfaces 1108 formed on the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102. As the distal end 1431 of the distal closure member 1430 cammingly contacts the closure cam surfaces 1137, 1108, the anvil 1130 as well as the elongate channel 1102 are both pivoted about the jaw pivot axis JA to the closed position at which point the distal end 1431 of the distal closure member 1430 contacts a ledge portion 1133 that is formed between the anvil mounting portion 1134 and the anvil body portion 1132 as well as a ledge 1145 on the elongate channel. See FIG. 15A. When the closure member assembly 1400 is locked in position, the distal closure member 1430 retains the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 in that closed position. When the clinician desires to move the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 to the open position, the distal closure member 1430 is moved in the proximal direction PD. As the distal closure member 1430 is moved in the proximal direction PD, the jaw opening pins 1432 engage the corresponding channel opening cam slots 1106 and the anvil opening cam surfaces 1142 and pivots the anvil 1130 and elongate channel about the fixed jaw axis JA to the open position shown in FIG. 15B. Such use of pins of features on the distal closure member to effectuate movement of both jaws from a fully closed position to a fully open position may be referred to herein as “positive jaw opening” features. Other positive jaw opening arrangements are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,925, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS, which has been incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

FIGS. 16-21 Illustrate an alternative distal closure member 1430′ that employs alternative positive jaw opening features in the form of, for example, movable jaw opening cams 1440 that are attached to the distal closure member 1430′ in place of the jaw opening pins. At least one and preferably two jaw opening cams 1440 are movably attached to the distal closure member 1430′ by a corresponding stretchable coupler 1450. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupler 1450 comprises a cam or tension spring. In the illustrated arrangement, the tension spring 1454 comprises flat spring to save space. A proximal end of each tension spring 1450 has a hook 1452 formed thereon that extends through an opening 1442 in the distal closure member 1430′. An end of each hook 1452 may be seated in a corresponding slot or groove 1444 that is formed in the distal closure member 1430′ as shown in FIG. 16. A distal end 1455 of each tension spring 1454 is attached to the corresponding jaw opening cam 1440. The proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102 includes a pair of spring clearance slots 1106′ and channel opening cam surfaces 1107 that are configured to be engaged by the jaw opening cams 1440. In alternative arrangements, the spring could include maximum extension features that only allow a predetermined amount of compliance and then assure jaw opening that is proportionate to the remaining closure trigger travel and therefore closure shuttle motion. As indicated above, each of the anvil mounting walls 1136 has an anvil opening cam surface 1142 formed thereon. As can be seen in FIG. 19, the anvil opening cam surfaces 1142 are opposed or arranged in an opposite configuration as the corresponding channel opening cam surface 1107. Stated another way, the channel opening cam surface 1107 and the anvil opening cam surfaces 1142 are arcuate and curve in opposite directions.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 in their respective fully opened positions. As can be seen in each of those Figures, the jaw opening cams 1440 are oriented between the corresponding anvil opening cam surface 1142 and the channel opening cam surface 1107 and are in their proximal-most positions. When in the fully opened positions, the jaw opening cams 1440 are located distal to the distal end of the distal closure member 1430′. As can be seen in FIGS. 19 and 20, the jaw opening cams 1440 may be wedge-shaped. In at least one arrangement, the wedge geometry has a gradual cam surface on the proximal side to prevent biding between the jaws. When in that fully open position, the tension springs 1454 are in their starting position wherein the tension springs 1454 are applying their smallest amount of biasing force to each of the jaw opening cams 1440. Upon commencement of the closing process, the distal closure member 1430′ is advanced distally in the various manners described herein. As the distal closure member 1430′ is advanced distally, the distal end 1431 contacts the closure cam surfaces 1137 on the anvil mounting portion 1134 and closure cam surfaces 1108 that are formed on the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102 to pivot the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 toward each other about the pivot jaw axis JA. As the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 are pivoted toward each other, the jaw opening cams 1440 that are riding on cam surfaces 1142 and 1104 are driven in the distal direction. As the jaw opening cams 1440 are driven distally, the tension springs 1454 are elongated and “loaded”.

FIGS. 18 and 19 depict the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 in their fully closed positions. When the clinician desires to return the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 to their fully open positions (FIGS. 20 and 21), the distal closure member 1430′ is withdrawn in the proximal direction which permits the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 to pivot away from each other about the pivot jaw axis JA. Because the tension springs 1454 are elongated and loaded, they draw each of the jaw opening cams 1440 in the proximal direction. As the jaw opening cams 1440 move in the proximal direction PD between the cam surfaces 1142 and 1107, the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 are positively moved to the fully opened position and retained therein by the jaw opening cams 1440. The more that the distal closure member is moved proximally, the more the jaws are urged away from each other. Such compliant positive jaw opening arrangements may assure direct one-to-one final pull open to provide more opening force if stuck.

FIGS. 22-25 illustrate an alternative distal closure member 1430″ that employs jaw opening tabs as well as at least one jaw opening spring 1460 to move the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102′ into their respective fully opened positions. As can be seen in FIGS. 24 and 25, the distal closure member 1430″ is similar to distal closure member 1430 as described above, except that distal closure member 1430″ additionally includes an anvil open tab 1435 and a channel open tab 1437. As shown in FIG. 24, when the distal closure member 1430″ has been moved to its proximal most position corresponding to the fully opened position, the anvil open tab 1435 is in contact with the tab 1139 on the anvil mounting portion 1134 and the channel opening tab is in contact with a channel tab 1109 protruding from the underside of the proximal end portion 1103 of the elongate channel 1102′.

The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 22, 24 and 25 also employs a positive jaw opening member which may comprise a jaw opening spring 1460. As can be seen in FIG. 23, in the illustrated arrangement, the jaw opening spring 1460 includes an anvil opening leg 1462 and a channel opening leg 1464 that are attached by a bridge portion 1463. The spring 1460 may be journaled on the jaw attachment pins 1235 as shown in FIGS. 22, 24 and 25 such that the anvil opening leg 1462 bears on a bottom surface of the anvil mounting portion 1134 and the channel opening leg 1464 bears on a bottom surface of the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102′. Thus, the jaw opening spring 1460 serves to apply biasing forces to the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102′ to pivot them away from each other to open positions. FIG. 25 illustrates the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102′ in the fully closed position. As can be seen in FIG. 25, the jaw opening spring 1460 is in its fully compressed state. To open the anvil and channel 1102′, the distal closure member 1430″ is moved in the proximal direction PD in the various manners disclosed herein. As the distal closure member 1430″ moves proximally, the jaw opening spring 1460 positively biases the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102′ away from each other about the pivot axis JA to the fully open position wherein the anvil opening tab 1435 engages the tab 1139 on the anvil mounting portion 1134 and the channel opening tab 1437 engages the channel tab 1109. See FIG. 24. In at least one arrangement, the jaw opening spring is mounted proximal to the firing member parking area (i.e., the area where the firing member resides when in the starting position).

FIGS. 26-29 illustrate an alternative distal closure member 1470 that employs slot arrangements in the elongate channel and closure member that are configured to move an anvil 1130″ between a fully open position and a fully closed position. In the illustrated arrangement, the distal closure member 1470 is similar to distal closure member 1430 as described above, except for the differences discussed below. In this arrangement, however, only the anvil 1130″ moves relative to the elongate channel 1102″. As can be seen in FIGS. 26-29, the anvil mounting portion 1134 of the anvil 1130″ includes two outwardly extending anvil pins 1150 that extend through corresponding channel slots 1472 provided in the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102″. Each anvil pin 1150 also extends into corresponding closure slots 1474 in the distal closure member 1470. In the illustrated arrangement, each of the channel slots 1472 extends along a vertical axis VA. The anvil pins 1150 define a pivot axis PA about which the anvil 1130″ may pivot. Because the anvil pins 1150 are constrained to only move within the vertically extending channel slots 1472, the pivot axis PA is constrained to only move along the vertical axis VA. Each closure slot 1474 has a proximal portion 1476 and a distal portion 1478. The proximal portion 1476 lies along a first horizontal axis HA₁ and the distal portion 1478 lies along a second horizontal axis HA₂ that is offset from the first horizontal axis HA₁. See FIG. 26. Vertical axis VA is transverse to the first and second horizontal axes HA₁ and HA₂.

FIG. 26 illustrates the positions of the anvil 1130″ and the elongate channel 1102″ when in the fully open position. As can be seen in FIG. 26, when in that position, the anvil pins 1150 are located at the top end of the channel slot 1472 (“first vertical positions”) as well as in the distal portion 1478 of the closure slots 1474. FIG. 27 illustrates the positions of the anvil 1130″ and the elongate channel 1102″ after the closure process has been commenced. As can be seen in FIG. 27, the distal closure member 1470 has begun to move distally so that the anvil pins 1150 are just about to enter the proximal portion 1476 of the closure slots and the pins have begun to move downward in the channel slots 1472. In FIG. 28, the distal closure member 1470 has moved distally to a point wherein the anvil pins 1150 are at the bottom ends of the channel slots 1472 and the anvil pins 1150 have now entered the proximal portions 1476 of the closure slots 1474. Thus the anvil mounting portion 1134 has moved downward toward the elongate channel 1102″. FIG. 29 illustrates the anvil 1130″ and the elongate channel anvil 1102″ in their fully closed positions. As can be seen in FIG. 29, the anvil pins 1150 are retained in the bottom ends of the channel slots 1472 (“second vertical positions”) and are also received within the proximal portions 1476 of the closure slots 1474. The anvil 1130″ and elongate channel 1102″ are retained in that fully closed position while the distal closure member 1470 is retained in that position. As can be seen in FIG. 29, such arrangement facilitates the vertical travel of the anvil mounting portion 1134 relative to the channel 1102″ thereby increasing the distance between the underside of the anvil and the cartridge deck when in the fully opened position. Such redundant linkage arrangement may allow for the adjustment of the proximal distance between the anvil and the cartridge deck adjacent the tissue stops. Another cartridge embodiment may include a metallic camming termination feature proximal to the sled start location. Such metallic feature may support or hold the sled in the “ready-to-use” position while preventing the collapse of the tail.

FIGS. 30-32 illustrate one form of a firing member 1760 that may be employed with the interchangeable tool assembly 1000. In one exemplary form, the firing member 1760 comprises a body portion 1762 that includes a proximally extending connector member 1763 that is configured to be received in a correspondingly shaped connector opening 1624 (FIG. 4) in the distal end of the distal firing bar 1620. The connector 1763 may be retained within the connector opening 1624 by friction and/or welding or suitable adhesive, etc. In use, the body portion 1762 protrudes through an elongate slot 1160 in the elongate channel 1102. A laterally extending foot tab 1764 extends from each lateral side of the body portion 1762. Each foot tab 1764 includes a proximal end 1765 that has a thickness PE_(f) and a distal end 1767 that has a thickness DE_(f). Such configuration also defines an upper foot surface 1768 and a lower foot surface 1769. In the illustrated reference the upper foot surface 1768 and the lower foot surface 1769 angle away from each other. In FIG. 31, the upper foot surface 1768 is parallel to the upper axis U_(A) and the lower foot surface 1769 is parallel to lower axis U_(L) with an angle A_(F) therebetween. Stated another way, the distal thickness DE_(f)>the proximal thickness PE_(f). Thus, each of the foot tabs 1764 taper in thickness from their respective distal end 1767 to their proximal end 1765 with the proximal end being thinner.

Still referring primarily to FIG. 31, the illustrated firing member 1760 also includes a pair of laterally extending top tabs 1770. Each top tab 1770 includes a proximal end 1772 that has a thickness PE_(T) and a distal end 1774 that has a thickness DE_(T). Such configuration also defines a top surface 1776 and a bottom surface 1778. In the illustrated reference the top surface 1776 and the bottom surface 1778 angle away from each other. In FIG. 31, the top surface 1776 is parallel to an upper axis T_(A) and the bottom surface 1778 is parallel to a bottom axis B_(L) with an angle A_(T) therebetween. Stated another way, a distal thickness DE_(T) of each top tab 1770 is greater than proximal thickness PE_(T) thereof. Thus, each of the top tabs 1770 taper in thickness from their respective distal end 1774 to their proximal end 1772 with the proximal end 1772 being thinner. In the illustrated arrangement angle A_(F) may be approximately equal to angle A_(T). In addition, the top surface 1776 of each of the top tabs 1770 may be a distance H_(F) from the lower foot surface 1769 of each corresponding foot tab 1764 between the distal ends 1774, 1765, respectively and also be a distance H_(R) from each other at their respective proximal ends 1772, 1767. In the illustrated arrangement, H_(F)>H_(R). Thus, the top surface 1776 of each top tab 1770 angles away from the shaft axis SA and each lower foot surface 1769 of each foot tab 1764 angles away from the shaft axis SA. The illustrated firing member 1760 further includes laterally protruding central lock lugs 1780 which will be discussed in further detail below. The body portion 1762 of the firing member 1760 further includes a tissue cutting edge or feature 1766 that is disposed between a distally protruding bottom portion 1771 and a distally protruding top nose portion 1773.

In the illustrated example, the cartridge body 1111 operably supports therein a plurality of staple drivers that are aligned in rows on each side of a centrally disposed slot 1114. FIGS. 33A-33C illustrate one example of a staple driver 1170 that may be employed to support staples on one side of a surgical staple cartridge. The drivers located on the opposite side of the centrally disposed slot 1114 may comprise mirror images of drivers 1170. Other staple driver configurations may also be effectively employed as well. As can be seen in FIGS. 33A-33C, one form of a staple driver 1700 comprises a staple driver body 1172. The driver body 1172 includes a first or innermost staple support portion 1174 that is configured to support a staple (not shown) thereon. A second or central staple support portion 1176 is configured to support another staple (not shown) thereon and a third support portion 1870 that is configured to support a third staple (not shown) thereon. The first staple support portion 1174, the second staple support portion 1176 and the third staple support portion 1178 are all coupled together by a connector portion 1180. In at least one arrangement, the connector portion 1180 is formed with a centrally disposed opening or aperture 1182 that is configured to slidably receive a corresponding first driver guide (not shown) that is formed in the cartridge body. The connector portion 1180 includes a first cam portion 1184 that has a first camming surface or ramp 1186 formed thereon. The connector portion 1180 also includes a second cam portion 1188 that has a second a second camming surface 1190 formed thereon. The camming surfaces 1186, 1190 have the same slope or angle or they may have different slopes/angles. In at least one embodiment, each staple driver 1170 is integrally formed from or molded from, for example, Ultem®, with no fill. However, other materials such as, for example, Ultem® with a glass or mineral fill or Nylon or Nylon with a glass file could be used. In other arrangements, the various portions of the staple drivers 1170 may be separately fabricated from other materials and be attached together by adhesive, solder, etc. Further details concerning the staple drivers 1170 as well as other driver embodiments that may be effectively employed with the various embodiments disclosed herein may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/843,243, filed Sep. 2, 2015, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CONFIGURATIONS WITH CAMMING SURFACES LOCATED BETWEEN PORTIONS SUPPORTING SURGICAL STAPLES, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Turning next to FIGS. 33, 36 and 37, the firing member 1760 is configured to operably interface with a sled assembly 1120 that is operably supported within the body 1111 of the surgical staple cartridge 1110. The sled assembly 1120 is slidably displaceable within the surgical staple cartridge body 1111 from a proximal starting position adjacent the proximal end 1112 of the cartridge body 1111 to an ending position adjacent the distal end 1113 of the cartridge body 1111. See FIG. 4. The centrally disposed slot 1114 enables the firing member 1760 to pass therethrough and cut the tissue that is clamped between the anvil 1130 and the staple cartridge 1110. The drivers 1170 are associated with corresponding pockets 1116 that open through the upper deck surface 1115 of the cartridge body 1111. The sled assembly 1120 includes a plurality of sloped or wedge-shaped cams 1122 wherein each cam 1122 corresponds to a particular camming surface 1186, 1190 on the corresponding drivers 1170 located on each side of the slot 1114. When the firing member 1760 is fired or driven distally, the firing member 1760 drives the sled assembly 1120 distally as well. As the firing member 1760 moves distally through the cartridge 1110, the tissue cutting feature 1766 cuts the tissue that is clamped between the anvil assembly 1130 and the cartridge 1110 and the sled assembly 1120 drives the drivers 1170 upwardly in the cartridge which drive the corresponding staples or fasteners into forming contact with the anvil assembly 1130. In the illustrated example, the body portion 1762 of the firing member 1760 is configured to engage with the distal end of the sled assembly 1120. In particular, in at least one example, as shown in FIG. 33, the distal end of the body portion 1762 is oriented to simply contact the proximal end of the center portion of the sled 1120. In other firing member arrangements, the firing member body 1762 may be uniquely shaped or configured to operably mesh, mate or operably interface with the corresponding end portion of the sled assembly contained within a corresponding cartridge assembly so that should the user unwittingly load the wrong cartridge into the elongate channel and thereafter attempt to fire the cartridge, the firing member and sled would not properly interface to enable the distal advancement thereof.

In those embodiments wherein the firing member includes a tissue cutting surface, it may be desirable for the elongate shaft assembly to be configured in such a way so as to prevent the inadvertent advancement of the firing member unless an unspent staple cartridge is properly supported in the elongate channel 1102 of the surgical end effector 1100. If, for example, no staple cartridge is present at all and the firing member is distally advanced through the end effector, the tissue would be severed, but not stapled. Similarly, if a spent staple cartridge (i.e., a staple cartridge wherein at least some of the staples have already been fired therefrom) is present in the end effector and the firing member is advanced, the tissue would be severed, but may not be completely stapled, if at all. It will be appreciated that such occurrences could lead to undesirable catastrophic results during the surgical procedure. U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,649 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,352 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,380,695 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,933, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION WHEN A CARTRIDGE IS SPENT OR MISSING each disclose various firing member lockout arrangements. Each of those references is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

An “unfired”, “unspent”, “fresh” or “new” cartridge 1110 means herein that the cartridge 1110 has all of its fasteners in their “ready-to-be-fired positions”. When in that position, the sled assembly 1120 is located in its starting position. The new cartridge 1110 is seated within the elongate channel 1102 and may be retained therein by snap features on the cartridge body that are configured to retainingly engage corresponding portions of the elongate channel 1102. FIG. 36 illustrates a portion of the surgical end effector 1100 with a new or unfired surgical staple cartridge 1110 seated therein. As can be seen in FIG. 36, the sled assembly 1120 is in the starting position. To prevent the firing system from being activated and, more precisely, to prevent the firing member 1760 from being distally driven through the end effector 1110 unless an unfired or new surgical staple cartridge has been properly seated within the elongate channel 1102, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 employs a firing member lockout system generally designated as 1790.

Referring now to FIGS. 33-37, in one form, the firing member lockout system 1790 includes movable lock member 1792 that is configured to retainingly engage the firing member 1760 when an unspent surgical staple cartridge 1110 is not properly seated within the elongate channel 1102. The lock member 1792 comprises a pair of lateral spring arms 1793 that are interconnected by a central mount tab feature 1794. The central mount tab feature 1794 has a mounting hook 1795 formed therein that is configured to be hooked over a retaining pin 1238 in the anvil mounting assembly 1230 as can be seen in FIGS. 35-37. When installed, the mount tab 1794 is configured to bias the lock member 1792 upward. In addition, the lock member 1792 includes two lateral anvil spring arms 1796 that angle upward to engage the bottom surface of a corresponding anvil mounting wall 1136 on the anvil mounting portion 1134 to bias the lock member 1792 downward when the anvil 1130 is closed. A firing member alignment tab 1797 extends upward from each of the lateral spring arms 1793 to maintain alignment between the firing member 1760 and the lock member 1792. As can be most particularly seen in FIG. 33, the distal portion of each lateral spring arm 1793 includes a laterally extending forward arm 1798 that terminates in a sled tab 1799 that corresponds to a sled boss 1124 that is formed on the outermost wedge-shaped cams 1122 on the sled 1120. Each of the lateral spring arms 1793 includes a lock notch 1850 therein that is configured to lockingly engage a corresponding one of the central lock lugs 1780 therein. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that different numbers and arrangements of sled bosses may be employed in the sleds of different staple cartridge arrangements. The number of, and arrangement of, the sled boss(es) may be configured to only interact with corresponding sled tabs of the lock member of the proper instrument with which the staple cartridge is intended to be used. Thus, the sled bosses may function as a “key” to only actuate the lock member of the proper device. Such arrangement may therefore prevent the user from actuating the device when the wrong surgical staple cartridge has been loaded into the elongate channel.

FIG. 35 illustrates the end effector 1100 with the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 in their fully opened position without a surgical staple cartridge installed therein. As can be seen in FIG. 35, the anvil spring arms 1796 are in contact with the underside of the mounting walls 1136, but they are not “loaded”. Such position enables the surgical staple cartridge 1110 to be seated into the elongate channel 1102. If one were to close the anvil 1130 when in that position, the anvil spring arms 1796 will bias the spring arms 1793 downwardly to cause the central lugs 1780 to be lockingly received within the corresponding lock notch 1850 in the spring arm 1793. When in that position, the firing member 1760 cannot be distally advanced. FIG. 36 illustrates a fresh surgical staple cartridge 1110 properly seated within the elongate channel 1102 when the anvil 1130 is in the fully closed position. As can be seen in FIG. 36, the sled 1120 is in its starting position. When in that position, the sled bosses 1124 engage the sled tabs 1799 and bias the spring arms 1793 upward to positions wherein the lock notches 1850 do not engage the central tabs 1780. Thus, the firing member 1760 is free to be distally advanced. FIG. 37 illustrates the position of the firing member 1760 after it has been advanced distally from its starting position. As can be seen in FIG. 37, the firing member 1760 is distal to the lock spring and out of engagement therewith. The anvil spring arms 1796 have biased the lock member downwardly to an unlocked position.

FIGS. 38 and 39 illustrate the position of the firing member 1760 and the lock member 1792 after the firing member 1760 has been initially retracted in the proximal direction. In the illustrated arrangement, each of the central lock lugs 1780 includes a chamfered proximal end portion 1782. See FIGS. 30 and 31. As the firing member 1760 is retracted to the position shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, the chamfered proximal ends 1782 of the central lock lugs 1780 contact the corresponding forward arms 1798 of the lock member 1792 and bias the spring arms laterally outwardly (arrow L in FIG. 39). FIGS. 40 and 41 illustrate the position of the firing member 1760 and the lock member 1792 after the firing member 1760 has been fully retracted back into its starting position. When in that position, each of the central lock lugs 1780 is lockingly received within the lock notches 1850 in the corresponding spring arm 1793. When in that position, the firing member 1760 cannot be distally advanced.

FIG. 42 illustrates an alternative lock member 1792′. In this embodiment, the mount tab 1794 biases the lock member 1792′ downwardly without the use of anvil spring arms. Thus, the central lock lugs 1780 remain in locking engagement with the spring arms 1793 during opening of the anvil 1130 and elongate jaw 1102 and loading of the surgical staple cartridge 1110 therein.

As discussed above, the cartridge body 1111 has a plurality of anvil pockets 1116 that are serially arranged in lines on both sides of the central slot 1114. Housed within these pockets 1116 are staple drivers that operably support one or more surgical staples or fasteners thereon. When the target tissue is clamped between the anvil 1130 and the staple cartridge deck surface 1115, the target tissue must be so positioned so that the tissue that is severed is stapled on each side of the cut line. To avoid the target tissue from being positioned proximal of the proximal most staples or fasteners, the anvil typically contains downwardly extending walls commonly referred to as “tissue stops” which serve to block the target tissue from getting too far proximal between the anvil and cartridge. As the anvil is closed toward the cartridge, the tissue stops extend downward past the cartridge deck surface to prevent the tissue from being positioned too far proximal between the anvil and cartridge. In at least one of the end effector embodiments described herein, the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 both can move about the pivot jaw axis JA. Such arrangement may permit the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 to be opened further than other end effector arrangements wherein only one of the anvil or elongate channel can move or pivot. Stated another way, the distance between the undersurface of the anvil body 1132 and the cartridge deck surface 1115 of a staple cartridge 1110 that is seated in the elongate channel 1102 of the end effector 1110 described herein when both the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 are in their respective fully open positions is generally larger than the distance between the underside of the anvil and the deck surface of a cartridge that is seated in an elongate channel of an end effector wherein only one of the anvil and channel move relative to the other. Thus, at least one form of the end effector 1100 is configured to employ a staple cartridge arrangement with at least one “active” tissue stop or “expandable” tissue stop. In the illustrated arrangement, two active tissue stops generally designated as 1250 are employed.

Turning now to FIGS. 45, 47 and 48, as discussed above, the staple cartridge body 1111 includes a plurality of staple pockets 1116 located on each side of the elongate slot 1114 that is configured to accommodate the firing member 1760 as it is distally advanced through the cartridge. Depending upon the configuration number and arrangement of the staple pockets 1116, one or more staple driver configurations may be operably supported therein that each supports one or more surgical staples thereon. Some pockets located at the proximal end of the cartridge body may not contain drivers and staples. For example, in the illustrated arrangement, the staple pockets 1116 contain drivers (not shown) and staples (not shown). The proximal most pockets that support a driver and a staple are labeled 1116P. Although additional “unused” pockets (labeled 1117), none of those pockets contain drivers and staples. In the illustrated arrangement, all of the staple pockets 1116 on both sides of the elongate slot 1114 that are to the proximal most pockets 1116P contain drivers and surgical staples. The active tissue stops 1250 are therefore configured to prevent tissue from being clamped between the anvil 1130 and the cartridge 1110 in a position that is proximal to the proximal staple pockets 1116P to prevent the tissue from being cut without first being stapled.

In one arrangement, the surgical staple cartridge 1110 alone and/or in combination with the elongate channel 1102 may be referred to herein as the “first jaw” and the anvil 1130 may be referred to as the “second jaw”. The proximal end 1112 of the staple cartridge 1110 may be referred to as the “first proximal end” or the proximal end of the first jaw. The deck surface 1115 may be referred to as the “first jaw surface”. In the illustrated arrangement, the anvil body 1132 includes a staple forming undersurface 1135 that faces the cartridge deck and serves to form the staples as they are driven into contact therewith. The staple forming undersurface 1135 (FIG. 3) may also be referred to herein as the “second jaw surface”.

In the illustrated arrangement, the active tissue stops 1250 are operably attached to the cartridge body 1111. However, other arrangements are contemplated wherein the active tissue stops are attached to portions of the elongate channel 1102.

Turning to FIG. 45, in at least one arrangement, two active or expandable tissue stops 1250 are employed—one tissue stop on each side of the elongate slot 1114. As can be seen in FIG. 47, an active tissue stop 1250 comprises a bifurcated lower tissue stop portion 1260 that comprises two cam walls 1262 that are separated by a space 1264 and are interconnected by a connector 1265. Movably supported within the space 1264 is an upper tissue stop portion 1270. As can be seen in FIG. 45, a stop bridge 1266 is provided between the walls 1260 at the upper portion of their distal ends. The stop bridge 1266 cooperates with a stop tab 1272 formed on the upper tissue stop portion 1270 to prevent the upper tissue stop portion 1270 from extending completely out of the space 1264. Mounting holes 1267 are provided through the walls 1260 to enable the lower tissue stop portion 1260 to be pivotally journaled on a corresponding stop pin 1118 that protrudes laterally out of the sides 1113 of the cartridge body 1111. As can also be seen in FIG. 45, each of the upper stops 1270 includes a spring mounting hole 1274 that is configured to receive a leg portion 1282 of a biasing member or stop spring 1280 therein. See FIG. 46.

The upper tissue stop portion 1270 is slidably received within the space 1264 of the corresponding lower tissue stop portion 1260 to create the active or expandable tissue stop 1250. The upper and lower tissue stop portions 1260, 1270, along with the corresponding biasing member or stop spring 1280, are pivotally journaled on the corresponding stop pin 1118. Each active tissue stop assembly 1250 is free to pivot about a tissue stop axis TSA that is defined by the stop pins 1118. As can be seen in FIG. 45, the tissue stop axis TSA is transverse to the elongate slot 1114 in the cartridge body 1111. A second leg 1284 of the stop spring 1280 bears upon a corresponding ledge or portion 1119 of the cartridge body 1111 such that when journaled on the stop pin 1118, the stop spring 1280 serve to bias the upper tissue stop portion 1270 upward within the space 1264 until the stop tab 1272 contains the stop bridge 1266. At that point, the biasing member or stop spring 1280 serves to bias the entire active tissue stop assembly 1250 upward about the tissue stop axis TSA until the upper tissue stop portion 1270 contacts a corresponding stop ledge 1121 formed on the cartridge body 1111.

Thus, in the illustrated arrangement, each of the active tissue stop assemblies 1250 are attached to a corresponding lateral side 1113 of the cartridge body 1110. As can be seen in FIG. 45, each side wall 1126 of the elongate channel 1102 has a tissue stop notch 1128 formed therein to receive an active tissue stop assembly 1250 therein when the jaws 1130, 1110 are in their fully closed positions. FIG. 49 illustrates the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 and cartridge 1110 in their “fully closed” positions. The orientations of the active tissue stop assemblies 1250 when the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 or surgical cartridge 1110 are in their fully closed positions may be referred to as their “fully compressed” orientations. In certain embodiments the anvil assembly 1130 may also have fixed tissue stops 1144 formed thereon which are proximal to the active tissue stop assemblies 1250. See FIGS. 43 and 44. FIGS. 47 and 50 illustrate the orientation of an active tissue stop assembly 1250 when the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 are in their respective fully opened positions. The orientations of the active tissue stop assemblies 1250 when the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 or surgical cartridge 1110 are in their fully open positions may be referred to as their “fully deployed” or “fully expanded” orientations. When in their fully deployed position, the active tissue stops 1250 serve to prevent tissue from significantly advancing proximally past the proximal most staple pockets 1116P. FIG. 49 illustrates the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 clamping tissue therebetween in their respective fully closed positions. Prior to being installed within the elongate channel 1102, the tissue stop assemblies may be retained in the collapsed orientation shown in FIG. 49 by a removably staple cover that is removably attached to the cartridge deck. Once the cartridge is installed in the elongate channel, the staple cover maybe removed from the cartridge deck.

FIGS. 51-53 illustrate another tissue stop arrangement that comprises cooperating tissue stops on the anvil as well as the cartridge. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 51-53, a pair of upstanding cartridge tissue stops 1290 that extend upward from the cartridge deck surface 1115. When the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 are in their fully closed positions, the upper ends 1292 of the cartridge tissue stops 1290 extend into holes or cavities 1293 provided in the anvil body 1132. The upper ends 1292 of the cartridge tissue stops 1290 are angled so that when the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 are fully closed, the upper ends 1292 do not protrude beyond the outer surface of the anvil body 1132. See FIG. 53. In addition, the anvil 1130 includes downwardly extending distal tissue stops 1296 that do not extend below the cartridge deck surface 1115 when the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 are in their fully closed positions and a pair of proximal tissue stops 1298 that extend downwardly below the deck surface 1115 of the cartridge 1110 when the anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 are in their fully closed position. See FIG. 53. In an alternative arrangement, an elastic band may be placed around the exterior of the jaws such that the distal edge of the band is at the desired location for the tissue stops. As the jaws are opened, the band stretches but serves as a tissue stop. The band can rest in recesses in the anvil and elongate channel that circumscribe the anvil/channel so that the end effector can pass through standard trocar arrangements.

Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are motivated by an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated in any suitable manner. In various instances, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated by a manually-operated trigger, for example. In certain instances, the motors disclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a robotically controlled system. Moreover, any of the end effectors and/or tool assemblies disclosed herein can be utilized with a robotic surgical instrument system. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0298719, for example, discloses several examples of a robotic surgical instrument system in greater detail.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described in connection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, the embodiments described herein are not so limited. Various embodiments are envisioned which deploy fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks, for example. Moreover, various embodiments are envisioned which utilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For instance, an end effector in accordance with various embodiments can comprise electrodes configured to heat and seal the tissue. Also, for instance, an end effector in accordance with certain embodiments can apply vibrational energy to seal the tissue.

EXAMPLES Example 1

A surgical tool assembly for use with a control system that includes a closure actuator that is configured to move a first axial closure distance upon actuation thereof. The control system further includes a firing actuator. The surgical tool assembly comprises a shaft assembly that is configured to releasably interface with the control system. The tool assembly further comprises a surgical end effector that comprises first and second jaws that operably interface with each other to move between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to each other. The surgical end effector is operably coupled to the shaft assembly for selective articulation relative thereto. A firing member assembly operably interfaces with the firing actuator such that operation of the firing actuator advances the firing member assembly distally. An articulation member interfaces with the surgical end effector and is selectively engageable with the firing member assembly in an engaged configuration wherein movement of the firing member assembly causes the articulation member to articulate the surgical end effector relative to the shaft assembly and a disengaged configuration wherein the firing member assembly is movable without moving the articulation member. A closure assembly operably interfaces with at least one of the first and second jaws and is configured to move the at least one of the first and second jaws from the fully open to the fully closed position. A clutch assembly operably interfaces with the closure actuator and the closure assembly such that when the closure actuator is axially advanced through the first axial closure distance, the clutch assembly causes the firing member assembly and the articulation member to move from the engaged position to the disengaged position and the closure assembly is axially moved a through a second axial closure distance that is less than the first axial closure distance to thereby cause the closure assembly to move the at least one of the first and second jaws from the fully open position to the fully closed position.

Example 2

The surgical tool assembly of Example 1, wherein the clutch assembly comprises a rotary lock assembly that operably interfaces with the articulation member, the firing member assembly and the closure assembly. The rotary lock assembly is rotatable between the engaged configuration and the disengaged configuration such that movement of the closure actuator through the first axial closure distance causes a portion of the closure assembly to rotate the rotary lock assembly from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration.

Example 3

The surgical tool assembly of Example 2, wherein the portion of the closure assembly comprises a proximal closure member that is configured to releasably interface with the closure actuator for axial movement therewith through the first axial closure distance and wherein the clutch assembly comprises a closure stroke reduction assembly that operably interfaces with the proximal closure member such that when the proximal closure member moves the first axial closure distance, the closure stroke reduction assembly causes a distal portion of the closure assembly to axially move the second axial closure distance to thereby move the at least one of the first and second jaws from the fully open position to the fully closed position.

Example 4

The surgical tool assembly of Example 3, wherein the clutch assembly further comprises a cam assembly that operably interfaces with the proximal closure member and the rotary lock assembly such that when the proximal closure member is moved from a starting position corresponding to the fully open position distally through the first axial closure distance to an ending position corresponding to the fully closed position, the cam assembly rotates the rotary lock assembly from the engaged position to the disengaged position and when the proximal closure member is moved in a proximal direction from the ending position to the starting position, the cam assembly rotates the rotary lock assembly to the engaged position.

Example 5

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the control system comprises a handle and a closure trigger assembly that is operably supported on the handle and is selectively movable between an unactuated position and a fully actuated position. The closure trigger operably interfaces with the closure actuator such that movement of the closure trigger to the fully actuated position causes the closure actuator to move the articulation member from the engaged to the disengaged configuration.

Example 6

The surgical tool assembly of Example 5 further comprising a motor that operably interfaces with the firing actuator such that operation of the motor in a first rotary direction causes the firing actuator to move the firing member assembly distally and when the motor is moved in a second rotary direction, the firing actuator moves the firing member assembly proximally. A firing trigger assembly is operably supported on the handle and is configured to selectively rotate the motor in the first and second rotary directions.

Example 7

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the first and second jaws are mounted relative to each other for selective pivotal travel about a fixed jaw axis.

Example 8

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel that is configured to removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 9

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, wherein the firing member assembly comprises a proximal firing member. A distal firing member slidably interfaces with the proximal firing member. An end effector firing member is operably coupled to the distal firing member and is configured to sever tissue and fire staples out of a surgical staple cartridge that is operably supported in the elongate channel when the firing member assembly is moved distally a predetermined firing distance.

Example 10

A surgical instrument, comprising a control unit that comprises a firing drive system that is configured to generate firing and retraction motions and a closure drive system that is configured to move a closure actuator a first axial closure distance upon actuation thereof. The surgical instrument further comprises an interchangeable surgical tool assembly that comprises a shaft assembly that operably interfaces with the control unit. The surgical instrument further comprises a surgical end effector that comprises first and second jaws that operably interfaces with each other to move between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to each other. The surgical end effector is operably coupled to the shaft assembly for selective articulation relative thereto. A firing member assembly operably interfaces with the firing drive system, wherein operation of the firing system advances the firing member assembly distally. An articulation member interfaces with the surgical end effector and is selectively engageable with the firing member assembly in an engaged configuration wherein movement of the firing member assembly causes the articulation member to articulate the surgical end effector relative to the shaft assembly and a disengaged configuration wherein the firing member assembly is movable without moving the articulation member. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure assembly that comprises a proximal closure assembly that operably interfaces with the closure actuator. A distal closure portion operably interfaces with the proximal closure assembly such that when the proximal closure assembly is axially advanced through the first axial closure distance, the distal closure portion is axially advanced a second axial closure distance that is less than the first axial closure distance and moves the at least one of the first and second jaws from the fully open to the fully closed position. A clutch assembly operably interfaces with the firing member assembly, the articulation member and the proximal closure assembly such that when the proximal closure assembly is axially advanced the first axial closure distance, the clutch assembly causes the firing member assembly and the articulation member to move from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

Example 11

The surgical instrument of Example 10, wherein movement of the proximal closure assembly the first axial closure distance causes the clutch assembly to rotatably move the articulation member and the firing member to the disengaged configuration.

Example 12

The surgical instrument of Examples 10 or 11, wherein the clutch assembly comprises a rotary lock assembly that operably interfaces with the articulation member and the firing member assembly and is rotatable between the engaged configuration and the disengaged configuration. The clutch assembly further comprises a cam assembly that operably interfaces with the proximal closure assembly and the rotary lock assembly such that when the proximal closure assembly is moved from a starting position corresponding to the fully open position distally through the first axial closure distance to an ending position corresponding to the fully closed position, the cam assembly rotates the rotary lock assembly from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration and when the proximal closure assembly is moved in a proximal direction from the ending position to the starting position, the cam assembly rotates the rotary lock assembly to the engaged configuration.

Example 13

The surgical instrument of Examples 10, 11 or 12, wherein the control unit comprises a handle and a closure trigger assembly that is operably supported on the handle and is selectively movable between an unactuated position and a fully actuated position. The closure trigger assembly further operably interfaces with the closure actuator such that movement of the closure trigger to the fully actuated position causes the closure actuator to move the articulation member from the engaged to the disengaged configuration.

Example 14

The surgical instrument of Example 13, wherein the firing drive system comprises a motor and a firing actuator assembly that operably interfaces with the motor such that operation of the motor in a first rotary direction causes the firing actuator assembly to move the firing member toward the end effector and when the motor is moved in a second rotary direction, the firing end effector moves the firing member away from the end effector. The firing drive system further comprises a firing trigger assembly that is operably supported on the handle and is selectively movable between a first position wherein the motor is unactuated and a fully actuated position wherein the motor is operated in the first rotary direction.

Example 15

The surgical instrument of Examples 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14, wherein the first and second jaws are mounted relative to each other for selective pivotal travel about a fixed jaw axis.

Example 16

The surgical instrument of Examples 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel that is configured to removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 17

The surgical instrument of Example 16, wherein the surgical end effector comprises an end effector firing member that is operably coupled to the end effector firing member. The end effector firing member is configured to sever tissue and firing staples out of a surgical staple cartridge that is operably supported in the elongate channel when the firing member is moved toward the surgical end effector.

Example 18

A surgical tool assembly comprising a shaft assembly and a surgical end effector that comprises first and second jaws that operably interface with each other to move between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to each other. The surgical end effector is operably coupled to the shaft assembly for selective articulation relative thereto. A firing member assembly is configured to move distally in response to a firing motion applied thereto. An articulation system interfaces with the end effector and is selectively engageable with the firing member assembly in an engaged configuration wherein actuation of the firing member assembly causes the articulation system to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft assembly and a disengaged configuration wherein the firing member assembly is actuatable without actuating the articulation system. A closure system is configured to receive an axial closure input including a first axial closure stroke distance and generate therefrom a second axial closure output including a second axial closure stroke distance that is less than the first axial closure stroke distance and is configured to apply the second axial closure output to the at least one of the first and second jaws to move the at least one of the first and second jaws from the fully open to the fully closed position. The surgical tool assembly further comprises clutch means for automatically moving the articulation system and the firing member assembly from the engaged to the disengaged configuration upon application of the axial closure input to the closure system.

Example 19

The surgical tool assembly of Example 18, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel that is configured to removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 20

The surgical tool assembly of Example 19, wherein the surgical end effector comprises an end effector firing member that is operably coupled to the firing member assembly and the end effector firing member is configured to sever tissue and fire staples out of a surgical staple cartridge that is operably supported in the elongate channel when the end effector firing member is moved distally therethrough.

Example 21

A surgical tool assembly, comprising a surgical end effector that comprises first and second jaws that operably interface with each other to move between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to each other upon application of closing and opening motions thereto. A proximal closure member is configured to move through a first closure stroke distance upon application of a closure input motion thereto. A distal closure member operably interfaces with the surgical end effector. The surgical tool assembly further comprises a closure stroke reduction assembly that comprises a closure reduction linkage that operably interfaces with the proximal closure member and the distal closure member such that when the proximal closure member moves through the first closure stroke distance, the closure reduction linkage causes the distal closure member to axially move through a second closure stroke distance that is less than the first closure stroke distance to thereby move at least one of the first and second jaws from the fully open position to the fully closed position.

Example 22

The surgical tool assembly of Example 21, wherein the surgical end effector is coupled to a shaft assembly comprising a shaft mounting portion that is configured for operable engagement with a source of the closure input motion. A spine assembly is operably coupled to the surgical end effector and the shaft mounting portion. The spine assembly movably supports the proximal and distal closure members thereon.

Example 23

The surgical tool assembly of Example 22, wherein the closure reduction linkage is operably coupled to a portion of the spine assembly and a mounting member that is movably supported for axial travel relative to the proximal closure member. The closure reduction linkage also communicates with the proximal closure member such that movement of the proximal closure member through an entire first closure stroke distance moves the closure reduction linkage from a collapsed configuration to an extended configuration. The mounting member is coupled to an intermediate closure member that is operably coupled to the distal closure member.

Example 24

The surgical tool assembly of Example 23, wherein the proximal closure member comprises a proximal closure tube that is axially supported on a portion of the spine assembly for selective axial travel thereon the entire first closure stroke distance. The closure reduction linkage comprises a proximal closure link that is movably coupled to the portion of the spine assembly. A distal closure link is movably coupled to the mounting member and is pivotally coupled to the proximal closure link by an actuator member that operably interfaces with the proximal closure tube.

Example 25

The surgical tool assembly Example 24, wherein the actuator member comprises an actuator pin that is movably received within an actuator cam slot in the proximal closure tube.

Example 26

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 22, 23, 24 or 25, wherein the surgical end effector is coupled to the shaft assembly by an articulation joint.

Example 27

The surgical tool assembly of Example 26, wherein the shaft assembly comprises an articulation system that is configured to apply articulation motions to the surgical end effector and a firing member assembly that is configured to axially advance a firing member through the surgical end effector.

Example 28

The surgical tool assembly of Example 27, wherein the articulation system is selectively engageable with the firing member assembly in an engaged configuration wherein movement of the firing member assembly causes the articulation system to articulate the surgical end effector relative to the shaft assembly and a disengaged configuration wherein the firing member assembly is movable without moving the articulation system and wherein movement of the proximal closure member the entire first closure stroke distance moves the articulation system and firing member assembly to the disengaged configuration.

Example 29

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 or 28, wherein the first and second jaws are mounted relative to each other for selective pivotal travel about a fixed jaw axis.

Example 30

A surgical tool assembly of Examples 21, 22, 23, 2425, 26, 27, 28 or 29, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel that is configured to removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 31

The surgical tool assembly of Example 30, wherein the firing member assembly comprises a proximal firing member and a distal firing member that slidably interfaces with the proximal firing member. An end effector firing member is operably coupled to the distal firing member and is configured to sever tissue and fire staples out of a surgical staple cartridge that is operably supported in the elongate channel when the firing member assembly is moved distally a predetermined firing distance.

Example 32

A surgical tool assembly comprising a surgical end effector that comprises first and second jaws that operably interface with each other to move between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to each other upon application of closing and opening motions thereto. The surgical tool assembly further comprises a shaft assembly that is coupled to the surgical end effector. The shaft assembly comprises a proximal closure member that is configured to move through a first closure stroke distance upon application of a closure input motion thereto. A distal closure member operably interfaces with the surgical end effector and a closure stroke reduction assembly is movably coupled to the proximal closure member and an intermediate closure member that is coupled to the distal closure member such that when the proximal closure member moves through the first closure stroke distance, the closure stroke reduction assembly moves the intermediate closure member and the distal closure member axially a second closure stroke distance that is less than the first closure stroke distance such that the distal closure member moves at least one of the first and second jaws from the fully open position to the fully closed position.

Example 33

The surgical tool assembly of Example 32, wherein the shaft assembly comprises a shaft mounting portion that is configured for operable engagement with a source of the closure input motion. A spine assembly is operably coupled to the surgical end effector and the shaft mounting portion. The spine assembly movably supports the proximal closure member, the intermediate closure member and the distal closure member thereon.

Example 34

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 32 or 33, wherein the surgical end effector is coupled to the shaft assembly by an articulation joint.

Example 35

The surgical tool assembly of Example 34, wherein the shaft assembly comprises an articulation system that is configured to apply articulation motions to the surgical end effector and a firing member assembly that is configured to axially advance a firing member through the surgical end effector.

Example 36

The surgical tool assembly of Example 35, wherein the articulation system is selectively engageable with the firing member assembly in an engaged configuration wherein movement of the firing member assembly causes the articulation system to articulate the surgical end effector relative to the shaft assembly and a disengaged configuration wherein the firing member assembly is movable without moving the articulation system and wherein movement of the proximal closure member the entire first axial closure stroke distance moves the articulation system and firing member assembly to the disengaged configuration.

Example 37

The surgical tool assembly of Examples 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel that is configured to removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 38

The surgical tool assembly of Example 37, wherein the firing member assembly comprises a proximal firing member, a distal firing member that slidably interfaces with the proximal firing member and an end effector firing member that is operably coupled to the distal firing member and is configured to sever tissue and fire staples out of a surgical staple cartridge that is operably supported in the elongate channel when the firing member assembly is moved distally a predetermined firing distance.

Example 39

A surgical tool assembly comprising a surgical end effector that comprises first and second jaws that operably interface with each other to move about a fixed jaw axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to each other upon application of closing and opening motions thereto. A shaft assembly is coupled to the surgical end effector. The shaft assembly comprises a proximal closure member that is configured to move through a first axial closure stroke distance upon application of a closure input motion thereto. A distal closure member operably interfaces with the surgical end effector. The surgical tool assembly further comprises closure stroke reduction means that movably interfaces with the proximal closure member such that when the proximal closure member moves through the first axial closure stroke distance, the closure stroke reduction means moves from an unactuated configuration to an actuated configuration to thereby move the distal closure member axially a second axial closure stroke distance that is less than the first axial closure stroke distance so that the distal closure member moves the at least one of the first and second jaws from the fully open position to the fully closed position.

Example 40

A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises first and second jaws that operably interface with each other to move about a fixed jaw axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to each other. A shaft assembly operably interfaces with the surgical end effector and comprises a closure member that is configured to move the first and second jaws from the fully open position to the fully closed position when the closure member is moved in a first direction. The surgical instrument further comprises at least one jaw opening cam that is supported for movement relative to the closure member and the first and second jaws. Each of the at least one jaw opening cam is configured to apply an opening motion to the first and second jaws when the closure member is moved in a second direction.

Example 41

The surgical instrument of Example 40, wherein each of the at least one jaw opening cam is movably coupled to the closure member.

Example 42

The surgical instrument of Examples 40 or 41, wherein each of the at least one jaw opening cam is movably coupled to the closure member by a tension spring.

Example 43

The surgical instrument of Examples 40, 41 or 42, wherein the first jaw comprises a first arcuate cam surface that corresponds to each of the at least one jaw opening cams and wherein the second jaw comprises a second arcuate cam surface that corresponds to each of the first arcuate cam surface and curves in a direction away from the first arcuate cam surface.

Example 44

The surgical instrument of Example 43, wherein each of the at least one jaw opening cams has a wedge shape that is configured to simultaneously engage the corresponding first and second arcuate cam surfaces.

Example 45

The surgical instrument of Examples 40, 41, 42, 43 or 44, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel that is configured to removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 46

The surgical instrument of Examples 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, or 45, wherein the surgical end effector is coupled to the shaft assembly by an articulation joint for selective articulation about an articulation axis that is transverse to a shaft axis defined by the shaft assembly.

Example 47

The surgical instrument of Examples 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, or 46, wherein the first jaw comprises a first closure cam surface and wherein the second jaw comprises a second closure cam surface. Each of the first and second closure cam surfaces is positioned for camming contact with the closure member as the closure member moves in the first direction to apply closure motions to the first and second jaws.

Example 48

The surgical instrument of Example 45, wherein the shaft assembly further comprises a firing member assembly that is configured for axial movement in the first direction upon application of a firing motion thereto. An end effector firing member is operably coupled to the firing member assembly and is configured to sever tissue and fire staples out of a surgical staple cartridge that is operably supported in the elongate channel when the firing member assembly is moved in the first direction a predetermined firing distance.

Example 49

A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises first and second jaws that operably interface with each other to move about a fixed jaw axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to each other. A shaft assembly operably interfaces with the surgical end effector and comprises a closure member that is configured to move the first and second jaws from the fully open position to the fully closed position when the closure member is moved in a first direction. The surgical instrument further comprises a first wedge-shaped cam that is movably coupled to the closure member by a first extendable coupler for movement relative to the closure member; and a second wedge-shaped cam that is movably coupled to the closure member by a second extendable coupler for movement relative to the closure member. The first and second wedge-shaped cams are configured to apply opening motions to the first and second jaws when the closure member is moved in a second direction.

Example 50

The surgical stapling instrument of Example 49, wherein the first wedge shaped cam is oriented between a first arcuate cam surface on the first jaw and a second arcuate surface on the second jaw and wherein the second wedge shaped cam is oriented between another first arcuate cam surface on the first jaw and another second arcuate cam surface on the second jaw.

Example 51

The surgical instrument of Examples 49 or 50, wherein the first extendable coupler comprises a first tension spring and wherein the second extendable coupler comprises a second tension spring.

Example 52

The surgical instrument of Examples 49, 50 or 51, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel that is configured to removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 53

The surgical instrument of Examples 49, 50, 51 or 52, wherein the surgical end effector is coupled to the shaft assembly by an articulation joint for selective articulation about an articulation axis that is transverse to a shaft axis that is defined by the shaft assembly.

Example 54

A surgical instrument of Example 52, wherein the shaft assembly further comprises a firing member assembly that is configured for axial movement in the first direction upon application of a firing motion thereto and an end effector firing member that is operably coupled to the firing member assembly and is configured to sever tissue and fire staples out of a surgical staple cartridge that is operably supported in the elongate channel when the firing member assembly is moved in the first direction a predetermined firing distance.

Example 55

The surgical instrument of Examples 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 or 54, wherein the first jaw comprises a first closure cam surface and wherein the second jaw comprises a second closure cam surface. Each of the first and second closure cam surfaces is positioned for camming contact with the closure member as the closure member moves in the first direction to apply closure motions to the first and second jaws.

Example 56

A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises first and second jaws that operably interface with each other to move about a fixed jaw axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to each other. A shaft assembly operably interfaces with the surgical end effector and comprises a closure member that is configured to move the first and second jaws from the fully open position to the fully closed position when the closure member is moved in a first direction. The surgical instrument also comprises at least one jaw opening cam that is supported between corresponding portions of the first and second jaws and means for movably coupling each jaw opening cam to the closure member such that each of the jaw opening cams is located distal to the closure member. The means for movably coupling also applying a tension force to the jaw opening cam as the closure member is moved in a second direction.

Example 57

The surgical instrument of Example 56, wherein the first jaw comprises a first closure cam surface and wherein the second jaw comprises a second closure cam surface. Each of the first and second closure cam surfaces are positioned for camming contact with the closure member as the closure member moves in the first direction to apply closure motions to the first and second jaws.

Example 58

The surgical instrument of Examples 56 or 57, wherein the closure member is axially movable between an unactuated position corresponding to the fully open position to a fully actuated position corresponding to the fully closed position and wherein each of the jaw opening cams is distal to the closure member when the closure member is in the unactuated position.

Example 59

The surgical instrument of Examples 56, 57 or 58, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel that is configured to removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 60

A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is pivotally coupled to the first jaw for selective pivotal travel about a pivot axis that is constrained to only move along a vertical axis and being selectively movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to the first jaw. The surgical instrument also comprises a closure member that is configured to move the first and second jaws from the fully open position to the fully closed position when the closure member is moved in a first direction.

Example 61

The surgical instrument of Example 60, wherein the closure member is configured to move the pivot axis from a first vertical position along the vertical axis that corresponds to the fully open position to a second vertical position that corresponds to the fully closed position as the closure member is moved in the first direction.

Example 62

The surgical instrument of Examples 60 or 61, wherein the closure member is configured to pivot the second jaw about the pivot axis to the fully closed position as the closure member is moved in the first direction.

Example 63

The surgical instrument of Examples 60, 61 or 62, wherein the second jaw comprises a pair of pivot pins that define the pivot axis and are each movably received within a corresponding vertical slot formed in the first jaw and wherein each pivot pin is in operable engagement with the closure member.

Example 64

The surgical instrument of Example 63, wherein each pivot pin is also received in a corresponding closure slot in the closure member.

Example 65

The surgical instrument of Example 64, wherein each closure slot comprises a proximal slot portion that extends along a first horizontal axis and a distal slot portion that extends along a second horizontal axis that is offset from the first horizontal axis.

Example 66

The surgical instrument of Example 65, wherein the pivot pins are located in a first vertical position within the corresponding vertical slot in the first jaw and the distal slot portion of the corresponding closure slot in the closure member when the second jaw is in the fully open position and wherein the pivot pins are located in a second vertical position within the corresponding vertical slot in the first jaw and the proximal slot portion in the closure member when the second jaw is in the fully closed position.

Example 67

The surgical instrument of Examples 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 or 66, wherein the first jaw comprises a first closure cam surface and wherein the second jaw comprises a second closure cam surface. Each of the first and second closure cam surfaces is positioned for camming contact with the closure member as the closure member moves in the first direction to apply closure motions to the first and second jaws.

Example 68

The surgical instrument of Examples 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 or 67, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel that is configured to removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 69

The surgical instrument of Examples 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 or 68, wherein the closure member comprises a portion of a shaft assembly that is operably coupled to the surgical end effector.

Example 70

The surgical instrument of Examples 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68 or 69, wherein the surgical end effector is coupled to the shaft assembly by an articulation joint for selective articulation about an articulation axis that is transverse to a shaft axis that is defined by the shaft assembly.

Example 71

The surgical instrument of Example 68, wherein the shaft assembly further comprises a firing member assembly that is configured for axial movement in the first direction upon application of a firing motion thereto and an end effector firing member that is operably coupled to the firing member assembly and is configured to sever tissue and fire staples out of a surgical staple cartridge that is operably supported in the elongate channel when the firing member assembly is moved in the first direction a predetermined firing distance.

Example 72

A surgical instrument comprising an elongate channel that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. The surgical instrument further comprises an anvil that comprises a pair of anvil pins that are received within corresponding channel slots formed in the elongate channel. Each channel slot extends along a channel axis. A closure member is configured to move in first and second directions relative to the elongate channel and the anvil. Each anvil pin extends into a corresponding closure slot in the closure member that is transverse to the channel slots such that when the closure member is moved in the first direction, the anvil pins are moved along the channel axis and the anvil is simultaneously pivoted toward the elongate channel.

Example 73

The surgical instrument of Example 72, wherein each closure slot comprises a proximal closure slot portion that extends along a first closure axis that is transverse to the corresponding channel axis and a distal closure slot portion that extends along a second closure axis that is transverse to the channel axis and offset from the first closure axis.

Example 74

The surgical instrument of Examples 72 or 73, wherein the pair of anvil pins defines a pivot axis that is selectively movable along the channel axis.

Example 75

The surgical instrument of Examples 73 or 74, wherein each channel axis is vertically oriented and each closure axis is horizontally oriented and parallel to each other.

Example 76

The surgical instrument of Examples 72, 73, 74 or 75, wherein the closure member comprises a portion of a shaft assembly that is operably coupled to the elongate channel.

Example 77

The surgical instrument of Example 76, wherein the elongate channel is coupled to the shaft assembly by an articulation joint for selective articulation about an articulation axis that is transverse to a shaft axis defined by the shaft assembly.

Example 78

The surgical instrument of Examples 76 or 77, wherein the shaft assembly further comprises a firing member assembly that is configured for axial movement in the first direction upon application of a firing motion thereto and an end effector firing member that is operably coupled to the firing member assembly and is configured to sever tissue and fire staples out of a surgical staple cartridge that is operably supported in the elongate channel when the firing member assembly is moved in the first direction a predetermined firing distance.

Example 79

A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is pivotally coupled to the first jaw for selective pivotal travel about a pivot axis that is constrained to only move along a vertical axis and being selectively movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to the first jaw. The surgical instrument also comprises closure means for simultaneously moving the pivot axis vertically along the vertical axis while pivoting the second jaw about the pivot axis.

Example 80

A surgical instrument comprising a shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector operably interfaces with the shaft assembly and comprises first and second jaws that operably interface with each other to move about a fixed jaw axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to each other. A firing member is configured to move between a starting position and an ending position relative to the surgical end effector. The firing member comprises a vertically extending firing body that comprises two lateral sides. A first jaw engagement member extends laterally from each lateral side of the firing body. Each first jaw engagement member is oriented along a first jaw engagement axis that intersects the shaft axis and is arranged to slidably engage the first jaw as the firing member is moved between the starting position and the ending position. A second jaw engagement member extends laterally from each lateral side of the firing body and is spaced vertically from the first jaw engagement members. Each second jaw engagement is oriented along a second jaw engagement axis that intersects the shaft axis and the first jaw engagement axis. Each second jaw engagement member is arranged to slidably engage the second jaw as the firing member is moved between the starting position and ending position.

Example 81

The surgical instrument of Example 80, wherein each first jaw engagement member comprises a first proximal end and a first distal end and wherein the first proximal end comprises a first proximal thickness and wherein the first distal end comprises a first distal thickness that differs from the first proximal thickness.

Example 82

The surgical instrument of Example 81, wherein the first proximal thickness is less than the first distal thickness.

Example 83

The surgical instrument of Example 81, wherein each second jaw engagement member comprises a second proximal end and a second distal end and wherein the second proximal end has a second proximal thickness and wherein the second distal end has a second distal thickness that differs from the second proximal thickness.

Example 84

The surgical instrument of Example 83, wherein the second proximal thickness is less than the second distal thickness.

Example 85

The surgical instrument of Examples 83 or 84, wherein the proximal end of each first jaw engagement member is oriented a proximal vertical distance from the proximal end of a corresponding one of the second jaw engagement members and wherein the distal end of each first jaw engagement member is oriented a distal vertical distance from the distal end of a corresponding one of the second jaw engagement members wherein the proximal vertical distance differs from the distal vertical distance.

Example 86

The surgical instrument of Example 85, wherein the proximal vertical distance is less than the distal vertical distance.

Example 87

The surgical instrument of Examples 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 or 86, wherein the firing member further comprises a central first jaw engagement member that extends from each lateral side of the firing body.

Example 88

The surgical instrument of Examples 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86 or 87, wherein the firing member further comprises a tissue cutting surface.

Example 89

A surgical instrument comprising a shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector operably interfaces with the shaft assembly and comprises an elongate channel that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and an anvil wherein the anvil and elongate channel are configured for movable travel relative to each other about a fixed jaw axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to each other. A firing member is configured to move between a starting position and an ending position relative to the surgical end effector. The firing member comprises a vertically extending firing body that comprises two lateral sides. A channel engagement member extends laterally from each lateral side of the firing body. Each channel engagement member comprises a first proximal end and a first distal end and is arranged to slidably engage the elongate channel as the firing member is moved between the starting position and ending position. An anvil engagement member extends laterally from each lateral side of the firing body and is spaced vertically from a corresponding one of the channel engagement members. Each anvil engagement member comprises a second proximal end that is spaced a proximal vertical distance from the first proximal end of a corresponding one of the channel engagement members. Each anvil engagement member further comprises a second distal end that is spaced from the first distal end of the corresponding channel engagement member a distal vertical distance that differs from the proximal vertical distance. Each anvil jaw engagement member is arranged to slidably engage the anvil as the firing member is moved between the starting position and the ending position.

Example 90

The surgical instrument of Example 89, wherein the proximal vertical distance is less than the distal vertical distance.

Example 91

The surgical instrument of Examples 89 or 90, wherein the first proximal end has a first proximal thickness and wherein the first distal end has a first distal thickness that differs from the first proximal thickness.

Example 92

The surgical instrument of Example 91, wherein the first proximal thickness is less than the first distal thickness.

Example 93

The surgical instrument of Example 89, 90, 91 or 92, wherein the second proximal end has a second proximal thickness and wherein the second distal end has a second distal thickness that differs from the second proximal thickness.

Example 94

The surgical instrument of Example 93, wherein the second proximal thickness is less than the second distal thickness.

Example 95

The surgical instrument of Examples 89, 90, 91, 92, 93 or 94, wherein the firing member further comprises a central channel engagement member that extends from each lateral side of the firing body.

Example 96

The surgical instrument of Examples 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94 or 95, wherein the firing member further comprises a tissue cutting surface.

Example 97

A surgical instrument comprising a shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector operably interfaces with the shaft assembly and comprises first and second jaws that operably interface with each other to move about a fixed jaw axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to each other. A firing member is configured to move between a starting position and an ending position relative to the surgical end effector. The firing member comprises a vertically extending firing body that comprises two lateral sides. A first jaw engagement member extends laterally from each lateral side of the firing body. Each first jaw engagement member is oriented along a first jaw engagement axis that is not parallel with the shaft axis and is arranged to slidably engage the first jaw as the firing member is moved between the starting position and the ending position. A second jaw engagement member extends laterally from each lateral side of the firing body and is spaced vertically from the first jaw engagement members. E second jaw engagement member is oriented along a second jaw engagement axis is not parallel to the shaft axis and the first jaw engagement axis.

Example 98

The surgical instrument of Example 97, wherein the firing member further comprises a central first jaw engagement member extending from each lateral side of the firing body.

Example 99

The surgical instrument of Examples 97 or 98, wherein the firing member further comprises a tissue cutting surface.

Example 100

A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. A second jaw is supported relative to the first jaw such that the first and second jaws are selectively movable between an open position and a closed position relative to each other. A firing member is supported for axial movement within the second jaw between a starting position and an ending position upon applications of firing and retraction motions thereto. A lock member is supported within the surgical end effector and is movable between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration wherein the lock member prevents the firing member from being distally advanced from the starting position. The lock member operably interfaces with the end effector so as to be biased into the unlocked position when the first and second jaws are in the open position. The lock member is configured to be moved to the locked position when the first and second jaws are moved to the closed position unless a surgical staple cartridge comprising a cam assembly that is located in an unfired position is supported within the first jaw to thereby retain the lock member in the unlocked configuration.

Example 101

The surgical instrument of Example 100, wherein the surgical staple cartridge comprises an elongate slot that is configured to slidably receive the firing member therein as the firing member is moved between the starting and ending positions and wherein the lock member is configured to axially align the firing member with the elongate slot.

Example 102

The surgical instrument of Examples 100 or 101, wherein the firing member comprises two lateral sides and wherein the lock member is configured to retainingly engage each lateral side of the firing member when the lock member is in the locked configuration.

Example 103

The surgical instrument of Example 102, wherein the lock member comprises a spring arm that corresponds to each lateral side of the firing member and a lock notch in each spring arm that is configured to releasably engage a corresponding lock lug on each lateral side of the firing member.

Example 104

The surgical instrument of Example 103, wherein each spring arm comprises an unlocking tab configured to engage a corresponding portion of a cam assembly that is supported in the unfired position within a surgical staple cartridge mounted within the first jaw.

Example 105

The surgical instrument of Examples 100, 101, 102, 103 or 104, further comprising a tissue cutting surface on the firing member.

Example 106

The surgical instrument of Examples 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 or 105, wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 107

The surgical instrument of Example 106, wherein the anvil comprises an anvil body, an axial slot in the anvil body to permit a portion of the firing member to axially pass therethrough and an axial passage within the anvil body on each side of the axial slot.

Example 108

The surgical instrument of Example 107, wherein the firing member comprises a foot that is configured to slidably pass within a corresponding passage within the first jaw and laterally extending anvil engagement features that extend laterally from a top portion of the firing member body and are configured to pass through a corresponding one of the axial passages within the anvil body and wherein the first and second engagement features are located between the foot and the anvil engagement features.

Example 109

A surgical instrument comprising a shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. An elongate channel is coupled to the shaft assembly and is configured to removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. An anvil is supported relative to the elongate channel such that the anvil and the elongate channel are selectively movable between a fully opened position and a fully closed position relative to each other. A firing member is supported for axial movement within the elongate channel between a starting position and an ending position upon applications of firing and retraction motions thereto. A lock member is movable between an unlocked configuration that corresponds to the fully open position of the anvil and the elongate channel and a locked configuration wherein the lock member prevents the firing member from being distally advanced from the starting position. The lock member is biased into the unlocked position when the anvil and the elongate channel are in the fully open position and is configured to be moved to the locked position by one of the anvil and the elongate channel when the anvil and elongate channel are moved to the fully closed position unless a surgical staple cartridge comprising a cam assembly that is located in an unfired position is supported within the elongate channel to thereby retain the lock member in the unlocked configuration.

Example 110

The surgical instrument of Example 109, wherein the lock member is configured to axially align the firing member along the shaft axis when the anvil and the elongate channel are in the fully open position.

Example 111

The surgical instrument of Example 110, wherein the lock member comprises a firing member alignment tab corresponding to each lateral side of the firing member.

Example 112

The surgical instrument of Examples 109, 110 or 111, wherein the lock member further comprises at least one anvil spring that is supported in biasing contact with the anvil to bias the lock member towards the locked configuration as the anvil is moved from the fully open position to the fully closed position.

Example 113

The surgical instrument of Examples, 109, 110, 111 or 112, wherein the firing member comprises two lateral sides and wherein the lock member is configured to retainingly engage each lateral side of the firing member when the lock member is in the locked configuration.

Example 114

The surgical instrument of Example 113, wherein lock member comprises a spring arm that corresponds to each lateral side of the firing member and a lock notch in each spring arm that is configured to releasably engage a corresponding lock lug on each lateral side of the firing member.

Example 115

The surgical instrument of Example 114, wherein each spring arm comprises an unlocking tab that is configured to engage a corresponding portion of a cam assembly that is supported in the unfired position within a surgical staple cartridge that is mounted within the elongate channel.

Example 116

The surgical instrument of Examples 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114 or 115, further comprising a tissue cutting surface on the firing member.

Example 117

The surgical instrument of Examples 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 or 116, wherein the anvil comprises an anvil body, an axial slot in the anvil body to permit a portion of the firing member to axially pass therethrough and an axial passage within the anvil body on each side of the axial slot.

Example 118

The surgical instrument of Example 117, wherein the firing member comprises a foot that is configured to slidably pass within a corresponding passage within the elongate channel and laterally extending anvil engagement features that extend laterally from a top portion of the firing member body and which are configured to pass through a corresponding one of the axial passages within the anvil body and wherein the first and second engagement features are located between the foot and the anvil engagement features.

Example 119

A surgical instrument that comprises a shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. An elongate channel is coupled to the shaft assembly and is configured to removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. An anvil is supported relative to the elongate channel such that the anvil and the elongate channel are selectively movable between a fully opened position and a fully closed position relative to each other. A firing member is supported for axial movement within the elongate channel between a starting position and an ending position upon applications of firing and retraction motions thereto. The surgical instrument further comprises means for preventing the firing member from being distally advanced from the starting position unless a surgical staple cartridge comprising a cam assembly that is located in an unfired position is supported within the elongate channel. The means for preventing is movable between an unlocked configuration that corresponds to the fully open position of the anvil and the elongate channel and a locked configuration wherein the lock member prevents the firing member from being distally advanced from the starting position when the anvil and the elongate channel are moved from the fully opened to the fully closed position.

Example 120

A surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw that comprises a first proximal jaw end and a first jaw surface and a second jaw that comprises a second proximal jaw end and a second jaw surface. The first proximal jaw end and the second proximal jaw end are movably supported relative to each other such that the first jaw surface and the second jaw surface are movable between a fully open position relative to each other and a fully closed position relative to each other wherein tissue may be clamped therebetween. At least one expandable tissue stop is located on one of the first and second jaws and is configured to extend between the first and second jaw surfaces as the first and second jaws are move between the fully open and the fully closed positions.

Example 121

The surgical end effector of Example 120, wherein each expandable tissue stop comprises a lower tissue stop portion, an upper tissue stop portion that is supported for movable travel relative to the lower tissue stop portion and a biasing member for biasing the upper and lower tissue stop portions between a fully compressed orientation corresponding to the fully closed position and a fully expanded orientation corresponding to the fully open position.

Example 122

The surgical end effector of Examples 120 or 121, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel and a surgical staple cartridge that is operably supported in the elongate channel and defines the first jaw surface.

Example 123

The surgical end effector of Example 122, wherein each expandable tissue stop is operably supported on the surgical staple cartridge.

Example 124

The surgical end effector of Examples 120, 121, 122 or 123, wherein the at least one expandable tissue stop comprises two expandable tissue stops that are operably supported adjacent the first proximal jaw end.

Example 125

The surgical end effector of Examples 120, 121, 122, 123 or 124, further comprising a fixed tissue stop on the second jaw corresponding to each expandable tissue stop.

Example 126

The surgical end effector of Example 125, wherein each fixed tissue stop is located proximal to the corresponding expandable tissue stop.

Example 127

The surgical end effector of Example 122, wherein the surgical staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body that is configured to be removably supported in the elongate channel and defines the first jaw surface. An elongate slot extends through a portion of the cartridge body and the first jaw surface. At least one row of discrete staple pockets is located on each side of the elongate slot. Each discrete staple pocket operably supports at least one surgical staple therein and wherein at least a portion of the at least one expandable tissue stop is located distal of a proximal-most discrete staple pocket in each row of discrete staple pockets.

Example 128

The surgical end effector of Example 121, wherein the lower tissue stop portion is pivotally coupled to the first jaw and comprises a pair of interconnected cam walls that define a space therebetween and wherein a corresponding one of the upper tissue stop portions is movably supported within the space.

Example 129

The surgical end effector of Example 128, wherein each lower tissue stop portion and the upper tissue stop portions are pivotally supported on the first jaw for pivotal travel about a tissue stop axis.

Example 130

The surgical end effector of Example 129, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel and a surgical staple cartridge that is operably supported in the elongate channel and defines the first jaw surface.

Example 131

The surgical end effector of Example 130, wherein the surgical staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body that is configured to be removably supported in the elongate channel and defines the first jaw surface. An elongate slot extends through a portion of the cartridge body and the first jaw surface. At least one row of discrete staple pockets is located on each side of the elongate slot. Each discrete staple pocket operably supports at least one surgical staple therein and wherein the at least one expandable tissue stop is located distal of a proximal-most discrete staple pocket in each of the rows of discrete staple pockets and wherein the tissue stop axis is transverse to the elongate slot.

Example 132

A surgical end effector comprising a surgical staple cartridge that comprises a cartridge body that defines a cartridge deck surface and a pattern of staple pockets therein. The surgical end effector further comprises an anvil that comprises a staple forming undersurface. The anvil and the cartridge body are supported relative to each other such that one of the anvil and the cartridge body is selectively movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to the other of the anvil and the cartridge body. The surgical end effector further comprises means for preventing tissue from extending proximally past a proximal most portion of the pattern of staple pockets when tissue is admitted between the cartridge deck surface and the staple forming undersurface. The means for preventing is expandable between a fully collapsed orientation that corresponds to the fully closed position and a fully expanded orientation that corresponds to the fully open position.

Example 133

The surgical end effector of Example 132, wherein the cartridge body further comprises an elongate slot that extends through a portion of the cartridge body and the cartridge deck surface and wherein the pattern of staple pockets comprises at least one row of discrete staple pockets that is located on each side of the elongate slot. Each discrete staple pocket operably supports at least one surgical staple therein and wherein the at least one expandable tissue stop is located distal of a proximal-most discrete staple pocket in each of the rows of discrete staple pockets.

Example 134

The surgical end effector of Examples 132 or 133, wherein the means for preventing is movably supported on the cartridge body.

Example 136

The surgical end effector of Examples 132, 133, 134 or 135, wherein the means for preventing are pivotally coupled to a proximal end of the cartridge body.

Example 137

The surgical end effector of Examples 32, 133, 134, 135 or 136, wherein the means for preventing move between the fully collapsed orientation and the fully expanded orientation as the anvil and the cartridge body are moved between the fully closed position to the fully open position.

Example 138

A surgical end effector comprising a first jaw that comprises a first jaw proximal end and a first jaw surface. The surgical end effector further comprises a second jaw that comprises a second proximal jaw end and a second jaw surface. The first proximal jaw end and the second proximal jaw end are movably supported relative to each other such that the first jaw surface and the second jaw surface are movable between a fully open position relative to each other and a fully closed position relative to each other wherein tissue may be clamped therebetween. At least one fixed first jaw tissue stop extends upward above the first jaw surface adjacent the first jaw proximal end. A fixed second jaw tissue stop corresponds to each of the fixed first jaw tissue stops and extends downward past the second jaw surface and is located relative to the corresponding first fixed jaw tissue stop such that when the first and second jaws are in the fully open position, at least a portion of the fixed second jaw tissue stop overlaps another portion of the corresponding first fixed tissue stop and when the first and second jaws are in the fully closed position, the portion of the fixed second jaw tissue stop extends below the second jaw surface and the another portion of the corresponding first fixed tissue stop extends above the first jaw surface.

Example 139

The surgical end effector of Example 138, wherein when the first and second jaws are in the fully closed position, the portion of the corresponding first fixed tissue stop is received within a corresponding opening in the second jaw.

Example 140

The surgical end effector of Examples 138 or 139, wherein another portion of the first fixed tissue stop is distal to another portion of the second fixed tissue stop when the first and second jaws are in the fully open position.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described in connection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, the embodiments described herein are not so limited. Various embodiments are envisioned which deploy fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks, for example. Moreover, various embodiments are envisioned which utilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For instance, an end effector in accordance with various embodiments can comprise electrodes configured to heat and seal the tissue. Also, for instance, an end effector in accordance with certain embodiments can apply vibrational energy to seal the tissue.

The entire disclosures of:

-   -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC         DEVICE, which issued on Apr. 4, 1995;     -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT         HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which         issued on Feb. 21, 2006;     -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,139, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING         AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK, which         issued on Sep. 9, 2008;     -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS,         which issued on Dec. 16, 2008;     -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN         ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010;     -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS,         which issued on Jul. 13, 2010;     -   U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE         IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE, which issued on Mar. 12, 2013;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES; now U.S. Pat. No.         7,845,537;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,573, entitled SURGICAL         CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES, filed         Feb. 14, 2008;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873, entitled END         EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed         Feb. 15, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,782, entitled         MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No.         8,210,411;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, entitled POWERED         SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY         RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100, entitled         MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR         DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY, filed Dec. 24, 2009; now U.S. Pat.         No. 8,220,688;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/893,461, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE, filed Sep. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,613;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No.         8,561,870;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT         ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,049, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE,         filed on Jun. 15, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,358;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,025, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13,         2013, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263551;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13,         2013, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552;     -   U.S. patent application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled         SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER         LOCKING MECHANISM, filed Jan. 31, 2006; and     -   U.S. patent application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled         SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR,         filed Apr. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040, are hereby         incorporated by reference herein.

Although various devices have been described herein in connection with certain embodiments, modifications and variations to those embodiments may be implemented. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined in whole or in part, with the features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments without limitation. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoing description and following claims are intended to cover all such modification and variations.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, a device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps including, but not limited to, the disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces of the device, and subsequent reassembly of the device. In particular, a reconditioning facility and/or surgical team can disassemble a device and, after cleaning and/or replacing particular parts of the device, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.

The devices disclosed herein may be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument may be obtained and, when necessary, cleaned. The instrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, and/or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep the instrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materials do not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical end effector, comprising: a first jaw configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein; a second jaw supported relative to said first jaw such that at least one of said first and second jaws is selectively movable relative to the other one of said first and second jaws between an open position and a closed position relative to each other; a firing member supported for axial movement within the second jaw between a starting position and an ending position upon applications of firing and retraction motions thereto; and a lock member supported within said surgical end effector and being movable between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration wherein said lock member prevents said firing member from being distally advanced from said starting position, said lock member operably interfacing with said end effector so as to be biased into said unlocked configuration when said at least one of said first and second jaws is in said open position, said lock member being moved to said locked configuration when said at least one of said first and second jaws is moved to said closed position unless a surgical staple cartridge comprising a cam assembly that is located in an unfired position is supported within said first jaw to thereby retain said lock member in said unlocked configuration.
 2. The surgical end effector of claim 1, wherein said surgical staple cartridge comprises an elongate slot configured to slidably receive said firing member therein as said firing member is moved between said starting and ending positions and wherein said lock member is configured to axially align said firing member with said elongate slot.
 3. The surgical end effector of claim 1, wherein said firing member comprises two lateral sides and wherein said lock member is configured to retainingly engage each lateral side of said firing member when said lock member is in said locked configuration.
 4. The surgical end effector of claim 3, wherein said lock member comprises: a spring arm corresponding to each said lateral side of said firing member; and a lock notch in each said spring arm configured to releasably engage a corresponding lock lug on each said lateral side of said firing member.
 5. The surgical end effector of claim 4, wherein each said spring arm comprises an unlocking tab configured to engage a corresponding portion of a cam assembly supported in the unfired position within a surgical staple cartridge mounted within said first jaw.
 6. The surgical end effector of claim 1, further comprising a tissue cutting surface on said firing member.
 7. The surgical end effector of claim 6, wherein said second jaw comprises an anvil.
 8. The surgical end effector of claim 7, wherein said anvil comprises: an anvil body; an axial slot in said anvil body to permit a portion of said firing member to axially pass therethrough; and an axial passage within said anvil body on each side of said axial slot.
 9. The surgical end effector of claim 8, wherein said firing member comprises: a firing member body; a foot configured to slidably pass within a corresponding passage within said first jaw; and laterally extending anvil engagement features extending laterally from a top portion of said firing member body and configured to pass through a corresponding one of said axial passages within said anvil body, and wherein said firing member further comprises first and second engagement features located between said foot and said anvil engagement features.
 10. A surgical instrument, comprising: a shaft assembly defining a shaft axis; an elongate channel coupled to said shaft assembly and being configured to removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein; an anvil supported relative to said elongate channel such that at least one of said anvil and said elongate channel is selectively movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to the other of said anvil and said elongate channel; a firing member supported for axial movement within the elongate channel between a starting position and an ending position upon applications of firing and retraction motions thereto; and a lock member movable between an unlocked configuration that corresponds to said fully open position of said at least one of said anvil and said elongate channel and a locked configuration wherein said lock member prevents said firing member from being distally advanced from said starting position, said lock member being biased into said unlocked configuration when said at least one of said anvil and said elongate channel is in said fully open position and being moved to said locked configuration by one of said anvil and said elongate channel when said at least one of said anvil and elongate channel is moved to said fully closed position unless a surgical staple cartridge comprising a cam assembly that is located in an unfired position is supported within said elongate channel to thereby retain said lock member in said unlocked configuration.
 11. The surgical instrument of claim 10, wherein said lock member is configured to axially align said firing member along said shaft axis when said at least one of said anvil and said elongate channel is in said fully open position.
 12. The surgical instrument of claim 11, wherein said lock member comprises a firing member alignment tab corresponding to each lateral side of said firing member.
 13. The surgical instrument of claim 10, wherein said lock member further comprises at least one anvil spring in biasing contact with said anvil to bias said lock member towards said locked configuration as said anvil is moved from said fully open position to said fully closed position.
 14. The surgical instrument of claim 10, wherein said firing member comprises two lateral sides and wherein said lock member is configured to retainingly engage each said lateral side of said firing member when said lock member is in said locked configuration.
 15. The surgical instrument of claim 14, wherein said lock member comprises: a spring arm corresponding to each said lateral side of said firing member; and a lock notch in each said spring arm configured to releasably engage a corresponding lock lug on each said lateral side of said firing member.
 16. The surgical instrument of claim 15, wherein each said spring arm comprises an unlocking tab configured to engage a corresponding portion of a cam assembly supported in the unfired position within a surgical staple cartridge mounted within said elongate channel.
 17. The surgical instrument of claim 10, further comprising a tissue cutting surface on said firing member.
 18. The surgical instrument of claim 10, wherein said anvil comprises: an anvil body; an axial slot in said anvil body to permit a portion of said firing member to axially pass therethrough; and an axial passage within said anvil body on each side of said axial slot.
 19. The surgical instrument of claim 18, wherein said firing member comprises: a firing member body; a foot configured to slidably pass within a corresponding passage within said elongate channel; and laterally extending anvil engagement features extending laterally from a top portion of said firing member body and configured to pass through a corresponding one of said axial passages within said anvil body, and wherein said firing member further comprises first and second engagement features located between said foot and said anvil engagement features.
 20. A surgical instrument, comprising: a shaft assembly defining a shaft axis; an elongate channel coupled to said shaft assembly and being configured to removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein; an anvil supported relative to said elongate channel such that at least one of said anvil and said elongate channel is selectively movable between a fully opened position and a fully closed position relative to the other of said anvil and said elongate channel; a firing member supported for axial movement within the elongate channel between a starting position and an ending position upon applications of firing and retraction motions thereto; and means for preventing said firing member from being distally advanced from said starting position unless a surgical staple cartridge comprising a cam assembly that is located in an unfired position is supported within said elongate channel, wherein said means for preventing is movable between an unlocked configuration that corresponds to said fully opened position of said anvil and said elongate channel and a locked configuration, wherein said means for preventing prevents said firing member from being distally advanced from said starting position when said at least one of said anvil and said elongate channel is moved from said fully opened to said fully closed position.
 21. A surgical end effector, comprising: a channel configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein; an anvil supported relative to said channel, wherein said anvil is selectively movable relative to said channel between an open position and a closed position; a firing member supported for axial movement between a starting position and an ending position upon applications of firing and retraction motions thereto; and a lock member supported within said surgical end effector, wherein said lock member is movable between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, wherein when said lock member is in said locked configuration, said lock member prevents said firing member from being distally advanced from said starting position, wherein said lock member is biased into said unlocked configuration when said anvil is in said open position, wherein said lock member is configured to operably interface with said anvil such that when said anvil is moved to said closed position, said lock member is moved into said locked configuration unless a surgical staple cartridge comprising a cam assembly that is located in an unfired position is supported within said channel to thereby retain said lock member in said unlocked configuration.
 22. The surgical end effector of claim 21, wherein said firing member comprises two lateral sides, and wherein said lock member is configured to retainingly engage each lateral side of said firing member when said lock member is in said locked configuration.
 23. The surgical end effector of claim 22, wherein said firing member further comprises a central lock lug protruding from each said lateral side of said firing member, and wherein said lock member further comprises a lateral lock arm corresponding to each said central lock lug, wherein each said lateral lock arm is configured to move between a locked position, wherein said lateral lock arm lockingly engages said corresponding central lock lug and an unlocked position, wherein said lateral lock arm is not in locking engagement with said corresponding central lock lug.
 24. The surgical end effector of claim 23, wherein each said lateral lock arm is configured to move in a first direction when moving between said locked and unlocked position.
 25. The surgical end effector of claim 24, wherein each said lateral lock arm is configured to move in a second direction when said firing member is moved into said starting position.
 26. The surgical end effector of claim 25, wherein said first direction comprises a vertical direction, and wherein said second direction comprises a lateral direction.
 27. The surgical end effector of claim 25, wherein each said central lock lug comprises a proximal chamfered end configured to bias said corresponding lateral lock arm laterally when said firing member is returned to said starting position. 